Pro: Thanks to some insight from "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, Rickman was able to devise an arc for his character Prof. Severus Snape years before the final novel, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," hit bookshelves let alone was a screenplay.  It wasn't just a benefit, but possibly a curse for the "is he" or "isn't he" line Rickman had to play as Snape. Amazingly, the legendary actor has never been nominated for an Oscar. This would be the perfect signature role to finally bestow him that honor.

Con: Rickman is quite possibly better as Snape in last year's "Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1."  Warner Bros. is actively campaigning the summer blockbuster (there are billboards up all over key industry areas of Los Angeles), but they'll need a focused effort to get Rickman specifically in the mix.