Justin Long shares a rare snapshot of BTS’s Alan Rickman

As Galaxy Quest celebrates its 25th anniversary, Justin Long He looks back with sincere gratitude, not only for the film itself, but also for the wonderful people he shared his experience with, including the late Alan Rickman.

Long made his big screen debut in the 1999 sci-fi comedy film, starring alongside R Tim AllenSEgorne Weaver, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwelland Rickman. The film is an endearing parody of the “Star Trek” fandom, and follows the crew of a sci-fi television series as they are unexpectedly thrust into an actual intergalactic crisis by aliens who believe their show was real.

On Wednesday, December 25, Justin Long celebrated the milestone anniversary by sharing a pair of nostalgic photos from the collection.

One poignant photo featured Long alongside Rickman, who died in 2016 at the age of 69, and their co-star Jeremy Howard.

“It was my first time on a movie set, my first time in Los Angeles, one of my first plane rides, and my first time meeting Sam Rockwell,” Long shared with his followers. “This photo of me, Alan Rickman, and Jeremy Howard (who played my friend in the movie and could have his mind blown in Acceptable) was taken at a party Alan threw for the entire cast and crew.”

Long had not met Rickman before the gig, though he “had an idea” of the actor “who might be based solely on the amazing performances I’d seen him give as villains in films like ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Robin Hood.'”

“My experience with him as a person was just the opposite…he was kind and generous and yes dry (very dry) but in this lively, fun way,” Long admitted. “I think about him often, and when I look back on that experience a quarter of a century later, one of the greatest gifts that came from it was getting to know and work with an actor like Alan and Sam. I know now how rare they are.”

Later in the caption, Jeremy thanked Howard for sending a BTS photo of “one of the greatest actors (and people) ever, welcoming two giddy young actors who were just embarking on a fun and fulfilling 25-year adventure.”

He then gave a shout out to all the fans “for helping me keep going this long.”

“And as always, to @bonnieezane for sending my tape to your sister Debra, who ended up casting me in the movie,” he concluded.

While reflecting on the film during an episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Sam Rockwell, Justin Long shared his thoughts on the possibility of a sequel.

“There were drafts (of a TV series) that were going to be produced at Amazon before Alan died,” he said. “They were all willing to do it and Alan had to sit out the pilot episode. But then he felt he would be better in the second episode. So that was how close it was.”

The late Alan Rickman remains one of the most popular and versatile actors in modern cinema and theater. Known for his deep, resonant voice and ability to portray both heroes and villains with equal mastery, Rickman has carved out a legacy that continues to captivate audiences around the world. From Hollywood blockbusters to theatrical stage, his work has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to his craft and a rare depth of talent.

In 1988, Rickman made his Hollywood debut as the unforgettable villain Hans Gruber in “Die Hard” opposite Bruce Willis. Although it was his first major film role, Rickman gave a career-defining performance, mixing wit, charm and menace to create one of cinema’s most iconic antagonists. He became a household name again with his portrayal of Professor Severus Snape in the ‘Harry Potter’ series.

Over the course of his career, Rickman has received numerous awards, including a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

On January 14, 2016, Alan Rickman died at the age of 69 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. His death came as a shock to fans and teammates alike, with condolences pouring in from around the world.

Rickman’s final performances in “Eye in the Sky” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass” were released posthumously, leaving audiences with one last glimpse of his brilliance.