The day Johnny Depp decided to opt for acting as a career, the actor also blessed the industry with his unparalleled talent. Today, Depp is one of the best actors in Hollywood, with an impressive resume spanning a diverse range of iconic roles and acclaimed performances. One of Johnny Depp’s most incredible performances was in Tim Burton’s 1990 fantasy hit, “Edward Scissorhands.” However, recently, the actor revealed that he nearly rejected an audition for Burton’s film, telling his agent to “please cancel the meeting.”
Why did Johnny Depp initially reject ‘Edward Scissorhands’?
In 1990, Tim Burton directed the gothic romantic fantasy film “Edward Scissorhands.” Featuring Johnny Depp in the titular role, the movie follows the story of an unfinished artificial humanoid with scissor blades instead of hands who is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their teenage daughter. The film also stars Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, and Alan Arkin.
In an upcoming untitled Tim Burton documentary (via People), Depp reflected on why he nearly rejected an audition for “Edward Scissorhands.” The actor revealed that many acclaimed actors, like Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Michael Jackson, were considered for the role of Scissorhands. Considering the glory and talent of these actors in the industry, Depp felt like he couldn’t compete with the A-list stars.
Therefore, he called his agent and told them to “please cancel the meeting.” Depp recounted, “He’s never going to cast me when everyone in Hollywood is after the part. Tim’s really juggling because he’s getting hit by his agent, the studio, everybody. So I called my agent after reading the script and said, “Please cancel the meeting. I’m not going.” She said, “Are you f—ing nuts?” It was weird because there’s always that bastard in your skull that goes, “Come on, man. You’re a TV actor, guy.” Because at that time, it was almost either-or.”
Today, Depp could go toe-to-toe with Hanks, Cruise, or any other actor, for that matter, though that wasn’t the case during the early 1990s. At that time, Depp was new in the industry, having starred in the “21 Jump Street” television series from 1987 to 1990. But with his promising performance as “Edward Scissorhands,” Depp solidified his status in the film industry.
Despite Depp’s initial doubts, his decision to audition for “Edward Scissorhands” not only defied expectations but also marked a turning point in his career.
