Tom Felton acted alongside Alan Rickman in Harry Potter for a decade, read to find out a memorable moment that Felton experienced.
Tom Felton's acting career was kickstarted through the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the acclaimed Harry Potter franchise. Even though the actor is still coming to terms with the success of the franchise, it goes without saying that he was a key part of a franchise that made an immense impact throughout the past two decades.
By the latter half of the franchise, Felton was an important character who was aligned to the character of Alan Rickman, Severus Snape, and he reveals a key moment with the late actor.
Early beginnings
Born Thomas Andrew Felton on 22, 1873 in Epsom, Surrey, Felton found a pathway into acting quite early. The Guardian reports that at the age of 6, he played a role in an advertisement for the insurance company Commercial Union.
The Guardian further reports that he got his first film opportunity through the fantasy comedy film The Borrowers in 1997, and two years later he played a key role in the film Anna The King as well. It wasn't until 2001 that he got the role of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and for a decade that ended up being his primary acting venture.
MTV news reports that Felton initially auditioned for the part of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, but eventually landed Draco Malfoy. According to Felton, he's 'very grateful' that he got the role of Malfoy. Starting as a searing bully and rival to Harry in the film series, Felton's role as Malfoy slowly transitioned into a much more nuanced character with troubling circumstances, and critics note that he appropriately conveyed the depth of Malfoy from the books.
Acting alongside Severus Snape
It is no surprise that the character of Severus Snape, portrayed by Alan Rickman generated a sense of intimidation among viewers. Snape was portrayed as exceptionally strict and permanently carried a smileless face with a glaring look in his eyes. Seemingly, there were moments when co-stars felt that intimidation when the cameras were off as well.
During an interview for Buzzfeed, Felton notes:
It took me quite a lot of courage just to say anything more than 'good morning Alan' to him because he's pretty terrifying.
Looper reports that Rickman was noted to be a fun individual with a generous heart and was an admirable mentor, of which the latter statement is often expressed by the younger cast of Harry Potter. That being said, Rickman was also a dedicated actor and when certain things go wrong on the set, it may impede the creative flow of an actor, which can sometimes generate sparks.
During an interview for Variety for his upcoming memoir Beyond the Wand; The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, Felton noted that Rickman ended up channeling Snape when Felton accidentally stepped on Rickman's cloak.
Felton stated:
Eventually, I was told in no uncertain terms by Alan Rickman: ‘Don’t step on my f******g cloak,’ I sort of giggled. Death eaters and I looked at each other and thought, ‘Is he joking?’ It quickly became apparent: he was totally not joking.
He further added:
You have to bear in mind his cloak’s attached around his neck – I nearly killed the poor man! He turned around and gave me a look you never, ever want to see.
According to People Magazine, Felton stated that Alan Rickman was 'scary' but added that he was 'very very kind' and that he had a 'wicked sense of humor.'
Tom Felton's memoir Beyond The Want: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard officially releases on October 13.
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