‘I think my work there is only mediocre’ Gary Oldman is extremely self-critical about his portrayal of Sirius Black in several parts of the Harry Potter series. The fact that for many fans the third part “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the best in the series, mainly because of Oldman, does not seem to matter to the actor.
On the podcast He also explains why he thinks his playing is mediocre: “If I had had prior knowledge, if I had known what was coming, I would have played differently.” Oldman points out that he did not read the books in advance. So he didn’t know where the story was going and only played the role with knowledge of the script for the current part. In retrospect, that was a mistake that another colleague did not make.
Alan Rickman did better!
Alan Rickman (played by Severus Snape), who died in 2016, was much better because he knew what was coming. ‘Maybe I would have read the books too’ Oldman regrets what he considers to be too little preparation for the role. What is known about Rickman is that he even contacted “Harry Potter” creator JK Rowling and was informed by her about Snape’s big twist well before the novel was published.
Oldman has previously stated that he would not accept the role of Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series for artistic reasons. Just two weeks ago, he revealed to fellow actress Drew Barrymore on her talk show that the offer came right after his divorce. He then turned down many recordings abroad to have time for his children.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Batman Begins” were perfect because both were shot largely near his home: “They saved me because it allowed me to do the least amount of work for the most money and then be home with the kids.”
“Dark Knight” star Gary Oldman: Would like to burn his roles
However, Gary Oldman is known for being extremely self-critical, he says -Podcast is not the first time with critical statements about his work. In the podcast he goes even further and mentions his role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Dracula” and also says in general:
“I’d like to put it all on the fire, burn it and do it all over again.”
Oldman’s most recent project is the AppleTV+ series “Slow Horses – A Case for Jackson Lamb.” The third season has just ended on the streaming service, a fourth season has already been filmed and will be released in 2024.