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 still-untitled Burton docuseries, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, Depp reflected on the 1990 film that marked the beginning of his long-standing collaboration with Burton.
Depp revealed that some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, and Tom Cruise, were vying for the role of Edward Scissorhands. 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 attracted me emotionally was that Edward was me. It’s exactly what I should be doing,” Depp recalled.
At the time, Depp was struggling with being typecast as a teen idol 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 said of his time on “21 Jump Street.” “I knew how important the choice to make ‘Cry-Baby’ with John Waters was, which gave me the opportunity to make fun of this arena I’d been placed in.”
Despite his desire to move in a new direction, Depp was initially hesitant to meet with Burton for “Edward Scissorhands.” Learning about the A-list stars also vying for the role made him doubt his chances. “He’s never going to cast me when everyone in Hollywood is after the part,” Depp thought. “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?’”
Depp eventually decided to go through with the meeting, a decision that would lead to a fruitful partnership with Burton. The duo went on to collaborate on numerous projects, including “Ed Wood” (1994), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010).
Reflecting on the experience, Depp acknowledged the internal struggle he faced. “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.”
The docuseries also highlights the instant kinship that developed between Burton and Depp during the making of “Edward Scissorhands.” This bond would see them working together on several iconic films over the years. Burton’s other regular collaborators include Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, and Winona Ryder, who starred alongside Depp in “Edward Scissorhands” and is set to reunite with Burton for the upcoming “Beetlejuice” sequel.
The Tim Burton docuseries premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, offering fans a deeper look into the filmmaker’s career and his collaborations with actors like Depp. The series sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the creative processes that have defined Burton’s unique cinematic style.
Depp’s revelation about the competition for the role of Edward Scissorhands adds a new layer of intrigue to the film’s legacy. It underscores the challenges and uncertainties that even established actors face in their careers. Despite the odds, Depp’s decision to pursue the role ultimately paid off, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring actors.
As the docuseries continues to make waves, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of “Edward Scissorhands” and the creative genius of Tim Burton. For Depp, the film was not just a career-defining moment but also the beginning of a lifelong artistic journey with one of cinema’s most visionary directors.
