Johnny Depp has recently shared insights into the fierce competition he faced for his breakout role in Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands.” During an interview in Tara Wood’s yet-to-be-titled Burton docuseries, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, Depp reflected on the 1990 film that marked the beginning of a long-standing collaboration with Burton.
Depp revealed that some of Hollywood’s biggest names at the time, including Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, and Tom Cruise, were vying for the role of the scissor-handed hero. He mentioned that Cruise was particularly close to landing the part, stating, “He was not far away from actually playing Edward Scissorhands — true story.”
When Depp first read the script by Burton and screenwriter Caroline Thompson, he felt an immediate connection. “The writing was beautiful. The character was beautiful. What I suppose attracted me emotionally was that Edward was me. It’s exactly what I should be doing,” Depp said.
At the time, Depp was feeling typecast as a teen star due to his role in “21 Jump Street” from 1987 to 1990. He saw his role in John Waters’ 1990 film “Cry-Baby” as a crucial step in breaking away from that image. “In all honesty, I was probably doing my best for probably the last two years to get fired,” he admitted about his time on “21 Jump Street.” He knew that choosing to work with Waters was essential for his career, as it allowed him to parody the teen idol persona he had been pigeonholed into.
As Depp pursued his dream roles, his agent managed to secure a meeting with Burton for “Edward Scissorhands.” However, Depp almost sabotaged his chances upon learning about the other A-list actors competing for the role. “He’s never going to cast me when everyone in Hollywood is after the part,” Depp recalled thinking. “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 fucking nuts?’”
Despite his initial reluctance, Depp eventually agreed to meet with Burton, leading to a partnership that would span numerous films, including “Ed Wood” (1994), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010).
In the docuseries, Burton also shared his thoughts on the casting process. He acknowledged that while Cruise was an interesting candidate, he ultimately felt that Depp was the right choice. “He was interesting, but I think it worked out for the best,” Burton said.
Depp’s casting in “Edward Scissorhands” not only launched his career but also solidified his status as one of Burton’s key collaborators. The duo’s creative synergy has resulted in some of the most memorable films in modern cinema.
Reflecting on his journey, Depp admitted that he had doubts about his chances due to his background as a TV actor. “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,” he said.
Ultimately, Depp’s decision to take the meeting with Burton proved to be a turning point in his career. The role of Edward Scissorhands allowed him to showcase his versatility and depth as an actor, paving the way for future collaborations with Burton and other acclaimed directors.
The docuseries also highlights the impact of “Edward Scissorhands” on Depp’s career trajectory. The film’s success opened doors for him to take on a wide range of roles, from the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise to the dark and brooding Sweeney Todd.
As Depp continues to reflect on his career, it’s clear that his role in “Edward Scissorhands” remains a defining moment. The film not only established him as a serious actor but also set the stage for a series of iconic performances that have captivated audiences for decades.
In the end, Depp’s journey to landing the role of Edward Scissorhands is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the odds and the competition from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he managed to secure the role that would change his life forever.
