Johnny Depp Wins Edward Scissorhands Role Over A-List Actors
Johnny Depp recently opened up about the fierce competition he faced to land the iconic role of Edward Scissorhands. The actor revealed that he had to outshine some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and even Michael Jackson, to secure the part in Tim Burton’s 1990 gothic fantasy film.
In a conversation with director Tara Wood for an upcoming docu-series about Tim Burton, Depp shared that Tom Cruise was particularly close to playing Edward Scissorhands. “Cruise was not far away from actually playing Edward Scissorhands, true story,” Depp said, according to People. The actor reflected on the intense competition and the challenges he faced in breaking away from his teen idol image, which he had developed while starring in the TV series 21 Jump Street from 1987 to 1990.
Depp was ultimately cast as Edward, a devoted misfit created by a scientist, played by Vincent Price, who used scissors in place of his hands. After the death of his creator, Edward is taken in by a local woman, portrayed by Dianne Wiest, and experiences both friendship and rejection in a suburban community. Winona Ryder played the role of Wiest’s daughter, who befriends Edward.
The actor expressed his deep connection to the character and the script, written by Caroline Thompson. “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. He described how the script resonated with him on a profound level, saying it “passed through everything, anything, solid and went to the very core of whatever I am.”
Depp also discussed how his role in John Waters’ 1990 film Cry-Baby was a pivotal moment in his career. He explained that playing the rebellious character in Cry-Baby was his first significant step away from his teen idol image. “In all honesty, I was probably doing my best for probably the last two years to get fired… 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,” Depp said.
The Tim Burton docu-series, which features Depp’s reflections on his career and his collaboration with the director, is set to premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on June 10. The series promises to offer an in-depth look at Burton’s unique filmmaking style and the actors who have brought his imaginative worlds to life.
Depp’s portrayal of Edward Scissorhands remains one of his most memorable roles, and the film has become a beloved classic. The actor’s ability to convey the character’s innocence and vulnerability, despite his unusual appearance, earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a versatile and talented actor.
The revelation that Depp had to compete with such high-profile actors for the role adds another layer of intrigue to the film’s legacy. It also highlights the actor’s determination to break free from the constraints of his early career and take on more challenging and unconventional roles.
As fans eagerly await the release of the Tim Burton docu-series, Depp’s candid reflections on his journey to becoming Edward Scissorhands serve as a reminder of the dedication and passion that have defined his career. The actor’s willingness to take risks and embrace unique characters has made him one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars.
