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Corey Feldman Blames Johnny Depp for Losing Iconic Movie Role!

BBG News

Corey Feldman continues to harbor feelings of disappointment regarding the role he didn’t get in Lasse Hallström’s 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and he firmly believes that Johnny Depp was responsible for him not getting the part.

At the age of 53, this figure from the ’80s era, who gained independence at 15, had a remarkable run in cinema. During this period, she was a key cast member in popular films such as Gremlins (released in 1984), The Goonies (1985), Stand by Me (1986), and The Lost Boys (1987).

Corey asserted he was chosen for the role of the intellectually challenged 17-year-old Arnold ‘Arnie’ Grape in an upcoming family drama set in Iowa, but the 61-year-old Academy Award nominee (known for his title character) put a halt to that casting decision.

Feldman revealed during an interview with The Magnificent Others podcast on Wednesday that he had initially been selected to portray Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. However, he never watched the movie due to lingering resentment. To put it simply, he was still sour about it, similar to a bitter leaf. But, yes, he was originally cast for that role.

Host Billy Corgan asked: ‘Did they push you out?’

‘Johnny Depp,’ the former child star responded.

As a lifestyle expert looking back on my past experiences, let me share an intriguing anecdote. After being cast for a project, it seemed another actor was brought in later, who reportedly expressed his dislike for me to the producers and claimed that I had a problem with substance abuse. He allegedly stated he wouldn’t work with someone like me, referring to me as a ‘junkie.’ To my knowledge, this is the first time I’ve publicly shared this story, so I brace myself for any potential backlash it may bring.

At the age of 21, Corey had already undergone a 10-month treatment program to overcome his heroin addiction, an issue he attributed to the alleged abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his mother Sheila and to sexual misconduct by Hollywood figures like Marty Weiss.

‘I was sober. I had just gotten sober,’ Feldman stressed.

Recently, I completed a rehabilitation program. I had managed to transform my life, and interestingly enough, I was actually attempting to assist River [Phoenix], whom Johnny [Depp] was associating with around that period, as you might recall.

Feldman went on to say, ‘You can picture it, there was some friction with that situation. If I hadn’t left and taken on that role, who knows where things might have gone after that point?’

At that age, I was 18, and despite my fear of water (aquaphobia), I had a knack for scaling heights. Little did I know that my role as the teenage climber would catapult me into the limelight, earning me recognition as the most distinguished member among the entire cast and crew. My performance garnered nominations for prestigious awards such as an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for best supporting actor.

According to the New York Times film critic Janet Maslin, it was Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in the film that truly stole the show. His portrayal of Arnie’s quirks was so intense and lifelike that initially, he is challenging to watch.

‘The performance has a sharp, desperate intensity from beginning to end.’

Contrary to its positive reviews, the movie adaption of Peter Hedges’ 1991 novel struggled financially (earning only $10M against a budget of $11M), but found success in video sales instead.

Apart from Leonardo DiCaprio, the talented actors who graced the screen in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape were Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Laura Harrington, Mary Kate Schellhardt, and Darlene Cates.

In contrast, Corey appeared as a youthful police officer in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 and continued his role as the voiceover for Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, both in the year 1993.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I found that particular brew rather strong and not entirely to my liking, but it’s important to remember that life isn’t about clinging onto the bitter moments. Instead, we should move beyond them.

Interestingly enough, not long after that, I too was considered for the role in Titanic, which created quite a coincidence with Leonardo DiCaprio. However, since I wasn’t as closely associated with that part, I found it less troubling. I had been in the running for it, read for it, and knew I was among the contenders for the role.

Reflecting on my past, I found myself auditioning years later for a role that held significant meaning – the part of Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, once played by my former castmate, Sean Astin.

‘I heard I got pretty close on that as well,’ Corey claimed.

As much as I wish I could emulate his physique, I must admit he’s got it going on. He’s masterfully sculpted an impressive build, something beyond my physical capabilities.

In his latest acting role, Feldman appeared as the Sea Creature during the 11th season of the popular singing contest on Fox, The Masked Singer, about a year back. He managed to perform for nine consecutive episodes before getting voted off.

In 2018, the actor from Going Viral dismissed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that were made against him by his ex-bandmates in Corey’s Angels, specifically Jacqueline Von Rueden, Poeina Suddarth, Margot Lane, Chantal Knippenburg, Amy Clark, Mara Moon, Jezebel Sweet, and Krystal Khali.

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2025-03-27 18:06

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