But it’s worth a moment’s thought to wonder what Liam Neeson would have been like in the role of Harry, as well as to wonder how James Nesbitt would have been opposite Thomas Sangster.
Luckily, the spot opened up, and the much cuter role enabled Liam Neeson to work with then youngster Thomas Sangster.
That role was extremely emotional and eventually went to Alan Rickman, who has some very memorable scenes with Emma Thompson in the film.
Liam Neeson told EW that he looked through the script and really wanted the gig of Daniel who is raising his stepson Sam by himself after the death of his wife, but at the time James Nesbitt had already been cast.