In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with host Josh Horowitz, acclaimed actor Gary Oldman opened up about his portrayal of Sirius Black in the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. Despite the character’s widespread popularity among fans, Oldman candidly described his own performance as “mediocre” during the conversation.
Acknowledging the frequent association fans make between him and the Sirius Black character, Oldman reflected on the possibility of taking a different approach to the role. He admitted that a more thorough reading of J.K. Rowling’s original books, akin to his co-star Alan Rickman’s approach, might have led to a deeper understanding and a different portrayal.
Oldman shared insights into his perspective on self-critique, emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency in his craft. According to the seasoned actor, praising one’s own performance would hinder growth and the ability to improve upon future projects.
Despite Oldman’s extensive filmography, his role as Sirius Black continues to stand out, thanks to the enduring popularity of the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Participating in a Max special commemorating the 20th anniversary of the movie series, Oldman expressed gratitude for his involvement in both the ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Batman’ franchises, stating that they played a pivotal role in saving his career.
While enjoying immense success in his acting career, Oldman hinted at the possibility of retirement, expressing a desire to explore other pursuits as his series, ‘Slow Horses,’ concludes. This revelation adds a new dimension to Oldman’s versatile career, which also includes iconic roles such as Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy.
