Johnny Depp, renowned for his transformative roles and unique acting style, recently opened up about how he secured one of his most iconic characters, Edward Scissorhands, a role that solidified his status in Hollywood. The revelation came as part of a new documentary series dedicated to Tim Burton, the visionary director behind the 1990 gothic romance.
Before his breakthrough with Edward Scissorhands, Depp was primarily known for his television role in 21 Jump Street and had minor appearances in A Nightmare on Elm Street, Platoon, and a leading part in John Waters’s Cry-Baby. Determined to break away from his teen heartthrob image, Depp actively pursued the lead role in Burton’s film, which depicted an unfinished artificial humanoid with scissors for hands, struggling to fit into suburban life.
However, Depp wasn’t the only big name vying for the part. In the documentary, Depp disclosed that several A-list actors, including Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and Michael Jackson, were in contention. Notably, Cruise came remarkably close to snagging the role. Depp recounted his disbelief at the prospect of being cast, as “everyone in Hollywood was after the part.” He admitted he initially wanted to cancel his meeting with Burton, thinking he didn’t stand a chance.
“My agent thought I was crazy for wanting to cancel,” Depp shared. “I had this nagging doubt because at the time, being a TV actor often felt like a barrier to film roles. But the script was so compelling that I couldn’t stay away.”
Burton, too, faced pressure from studio executives to consider Cruise, who was a hot property following his successes in Rain Man and Born on the Fourth of July. Despite this, Burton wasn’t convinced Cruise was right for the role. “He certainly wasn’t my ideal,” Burton revealed. “Though he was interesting, I never felt he embodied Edward’s essence.”
Depp’s deep connection to the role played a significant part in his casting. Reflecting on the character, Depp said, “Edward Scissorhands resonated with me profoundly. The script and the character felt like they were a part of my very being. I knew I had to play him.”
Other notable actors who were considered included Gary Oldman, who declined the part, and John Cusack, William Hurt, and Robert Downey Jr. Ultimately, it was Depp’s interpretation that captivated Burton, earning Depp his first Golden Globe nomination and cementing his place in film history.
Depp’s portrayal of Edward Scissorhands not only launched his film career but also began a longstanding collaboration with Burton, leading to other memorable roles. Despite the hurdles and competition, Depp’s journey to becoming Edward Scissorhands is a testament to his perseverance and unique approach to acting, which continues to influence his storied career.
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