„I thank God for Harry Potter“ – Actor explains how 2 big film franchises saved his life

Gary Oldman als Sirius Black

Gary Oldman is probably best known to most for his roles in Harry Potter and Christopher Nolan’s Batman films. In a recent television appearance, the actor explained why he is very grateful for both films.

Who is it about? Gary Oldman is an actor who can fluidly switch between arthouse cinema and Hollywood blockbusters. He has been acting in various films since the early 80s, including “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Leon – The Professional,” and “The Fifth Element.”

For his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the film “Darkest Hour,” he won the Oscar for Best Actor. However, Oldman is primarily remembered by a wide audience as Sirius Black in Harry Potter and Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

It is primarily because of these two film series that the actor feels he owes much in his private life. He recently spoke about this in an American talk show.

By the way, Gary Oldman was also part of Christopher Nolan’s latest film:

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Oppenheimer – New Trailer

A lot of money for little work, but time with the kids

Why is Oldman thankful for these films? As a guest on the Drew Barrymore Show, the actor discussed the stressful routine of his profession. Part of that involves working abroad for long periods. Countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, or Australia have become increasingly popular filming locations over the last twenty years. The reasons for this are tax advantages.

Those who have always wanted to be at the feast in the Great Hall of Hogwarts should rethink that.

In the early 2000s, Gary Oldman was a single father. Being away from his sons for extended periods hurt him. When the role of Sirius Black came up, Oldman saw it as an opportunity.

“I thank God for Harry Potter,” he expresses his thoughts in the talk show. He was able to be part of one of the world’s most popular franchises, and for relatively little time commitment, he was well compensated.

Similarly, his role as Police Chief Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman films was also significant. Large parts of the first film, “Batman Begins,” were shot in London. However, the actor was living in Los Angeles at that time. If he had stayed in the UK for the entire shooting period, it would have made raising his own children impossible.

Christoph Nolan pursued a strict shooting schedule, which allowed Gary Oldman to fly back and forth between LA and London. The director has his own unique methods on set.

Gary Oldman told Drew Barrymore:

I flew home for three days. Then back for two days. Then home again for the weekend. After that, I returned to the set, and so on…

Source: The Drew Barrymore Show

All in all, he commuted 27 times between his home and the filming location. The only alternative would have been to let a nanny raise his sons. Oldman now greatly appreciates that it turned out differently.

Another Harry Potter actor has a promising career thanks to Netflix.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. gamespot.com