"Edward Owning the Shears" - Johnny Depp needed to surpass these celebrities.
In the early 1990s, Johnny Depp (61) rose to fame for his peculiar and extraordinary roles in movies like "Edward Scissorhands," which catapulted him from a TV star known for his hit series "21 Jump Street" to a sought-after actor specializing in quirky characters. However, he had some stiff competition to become the titular artificial man in this film. This fascinating tidbit was revealed in a new documentary about the film's director, Tim Burton (65), premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Cruise Almost Got the Part
Johnny Depp shared with People magazine that Tom Cruise (60) was on the verge of nabbing the role of Edward. According to the docuseries, the studio, Fox, had actually pushed for Tom Cruise over Johnny Depp - he was one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood back then.
Tim Burton shared in the docuseries that he'd met with Cruise but ultimately felt he wasn't a good fit for his vision. Rumors circulated that Cruise may have been eyeing a more upbeat conclusion to the movie.
Other Big Names: Hanks, Hype, and Jacko
Besides Tom Cruise, Depp also mentioned Tom Hanks (67) in the documentary. At that time, Hanks was primarily known for his comedic roles, his transition to a serious actor did not happen until his critically acclaimed performance in "Philadelphia" in 1993.
Somewhat surprisingly, pop star Michael Jackson (1958-2009) was also considered at one point. Jackson's fame was at its peak in 1990, around the time production on "Edward Scissorhands" started. He had dabbled in acting, most notably in "Moonwalker" in 1988. However, Burton never had the chance to meet with Jackson.
What Depp left out: Besides Tom Cruise, Hanks, and MJ, a few other big names were in contention for the role of Edward. Robert Downey Jr. (59), a seasoned character actor, Gary Oldman (66), and the then-unknown comedian Jim Carrey (62) were some of them.
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In the competitive world of Hollywood stardom, Johnny Depp aimed to outshine other prominent stars like Michael Jackson and Tom Hanks. Despite Tom Cruise being a frontrunner for the role, Depp ultimately secured the part of Edward in "Edward Scissorhands." Gary Oldman and an up-and-coming Jim Carrey were also considered for the role, showcasing the intense competition Depp faced. At the Tribeca Film Festival, Tim Burton revealed these fascinating behind-the-scenes details in his documentary, shedding light on the casting process for the iconic film.
