Helen Mirren has said that Alan Rickman would have been proud of his final on-screen performance in the upcoming thriller 'Eye in the Sky', which explores the complexities of drone warfare. Mirren, who co-stars in the film, told the Radio Times that the role of a British general seeking authorisation for a drone strike suited Rickman's intelligence and political awareness.
“It was the Alan that I know: the witty, thoughtful Alan rather than the villain that he played so brilliantly,” Mirren said. “I hope I don’t speak out of place, but I think that if Alan had the choice, he would have been proud of this as his last movie.” Rickman died from cancer in January at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles including Hans Gruber in 'Die Hard' and Professor Severus Snape in the 'Harry Potter' films.
'Eye in the Sky', which also stars Aaron Paul, is dedicated to Rickman's memory. The film follows a drone strike from multiple perspectives, and Mirren plays Colonel Katherine Powell, who directs the operation. She praised the film for exploring different sides of the debate, shifting sympathies between characters, and highlighting the moral complexities of modern warfare.
Rickman will also voice a character in the upcoming 'Alice Through the Looking Glass', due for release next month, but 'Eye in the Sky' marks his final on-screen appearance. Mirren, who previously performed with Rickman in a 1989 production of 'Anthony and Cleopatra', described him as politically aware, conscientious, and thoughtful.
