Star of The Limehouse Golem, which has premiered at Toronto, was admirer of Rickman, who left project before his death

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The actor Bill Nighy has said he is proud to have filled the role intended for Alan Rickman in his latest film, The Limehouse Golem.

Rickman, who died of pancreatic cancer in January aged 69, was to star in the adaptation of Peter Ackroyd’s novel but was forced to pull out because of his illness.

Nighy, 66, said he was a great admirer of Rickman. He took over the role of the police inspector John Kildare, who investigates a series of brutal killings in Victorian-era London.

He said: “I didn’t have any reservations. I was very proud to be considered in those terms. I knew Alan reasonably well and I was a great admirer, like everyone else who came into contact with him.

“At the time we didn’t really know how ill he was. Obviously it was a great loss to everybody.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Alan Rickman, who died in January. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Nighy, who has starred in Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, said he was a fan of blockbusters such as superhero movies but believed there was an increasing market for smaller films.

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“I think the market will get bigger and bigger because of the way of the digital revolution, people are just going to need more stuff,” he said. “People will always want other kinds of stories. I like all those superhero movies. I like all those blockbusters, I’m for everything if it’s any good.”

Discussing the success of British actors in the film industry, Nighy said: “I don’t think it has much to do with where you come from, it’s just those are the breaks.

“There’s a tradition, there are precedents, because we’ve been making films for a long time and therefore younger people coming through see that possibility. But I think it’s happening all over.

“I don’t think anybody should be discriminated against depending on their background. I think everybody should have equal opportunities.”

The Limehouse Golem had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs until 18 September.