Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alan Rickman: Alice Through the Looking Glass director pays touching tribute to the great actor

James Bobin directed Rickman in his final role

Jack Shepherd
Sunday 14 February 2016 06:42 EST
Comments
The much-loved actor died from cancer aged 69
The much-loved actor died from cancer aged 69 (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alan Rickman tragically died earlier this year from cancer at 69, leaving behind a wonderful filmography including Harry Potter, Love Actually and Die Hard.

On occasion, the prestigious actor did voice work, including Absolem the Caterpillar in the 2010 version of Alice and Wonderland, Disney’s live-action remake of the classic tale.

Rickman returned to the role for the sequel, the upcoming Alice Through the Looking Glass, in what would be his final role.

The film’s director, James Bobin, best known for 2011’s The Muppets and Flight of the Conchords, has since spoken about what it was like working with Rickman.

In a touching tribue, he told Total Film magazine: “It's a terrible honour to have. Obviously he's exceptional; an incredible voice. As a performer, that's such a rare thing to have – the moment you open your mouth, to know exactly who that is. But he has that. It lends us gravity.

“Absolem [aka the Blue Caterpillar] is the wise, mysterious, oblique person that he is in the books. From the first movie, Alan absolutely nailed it. And he really guides you into our movie. It starts with him, and he takes Alice back.”

Rickman is also set to feature in the upcoming Eye in the Sky, which will be released in the UK 8 April 2016 after receiving a limited release in the US.

Alice Through the Looking Glass will be released 27 May 2016.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in