Finding strong scripts is just as important for a famous actor like Johnny Depp as actually playing in them. Around the world, everyone is familiar with Johnny Depp. Some big-budget films, such Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Donnie Brasco, and The Pirates of the Caribbean, are the work of a superstar.
In an effort to consistently offer something new for the audience’s palate during his lengthy career, Johnny Depp has taken on some difficult and odd jobs. It’s only normal for the widely recognised movie actor to have passed up a few projects in this search for unconventional thinking and avoiding stereotypes. Here are some films that Johnny Depp was either rejected from or did not get.
Sin City (2005):
Sin City is a film produced and directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez, and it is based on the same-named neo-noir comic novel by Frank Miller. When “The Big Fat Kill” part of the cult classic movie first came out, Johnny Depp was expected to portray a dishonest investigator named Jackie Boy. After accepting the job, Depp was forced to decline it owing to other obligations. The movie’s producers then hired Benicio del Toro to fill Depp’s shoes.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992):
Francis Ford Coppola may not be best known for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but this might have changed if the movie’s production company hadn’t passed on Johnny Depp for the role of Jonathan Harker. Keanu Reeves then took over the part and performed just as well in the movie. Bram Stoker’s Dracula has a cult-like following and is regarded as a masterpiece among aficionados of the bloodsucking vampire despite not being a particularly popular movie.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986):
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, one of the most well-known films of the 1980s, was largely responsible for Mathew Broderick’s rise to fame. Even so, it wasn’t always going to be that way. Before Broderick was cast, a long variety of well-known actors, including Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., and Johnny Depp, were considered for the same role. Due to schedule issues, Depp had to withdraw from the lead part after initially agreeing to do so, allowing Mathew Broderick to step in.
The Rainmaker (1997):
The Rainmaker was another project that Coppola and Depp might have worked on together. Johnny Depp was vying for the part of Rudy Baylor, a young lawyer who wants to do the right thing no matter what the cost. Despite initially being in the running, Matt Damon received the role of Rudy because the studio thought he was a larger star than Depp at the time.
Face/Off (1997):
It was Depp’s to take when Travolta agreed to play the part of a disgruntled FBI agent, putting him against the more outrageous terrorist played by Nicolas Cage. Marco Brambilla was also supposed to helm the movie. In a funny turn of events, Depp read the script and decided against it because it wasn’t about hockey. Brambilla left the film once Depp did, and eventually John Woo took his place.
Titanic (1997):
It’s difficult to imagine anyone else except Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson. DiCaprio became one of the biggest cinematic stars of that era thanks to Dawson’s portrayal, which catapulted him to global superstardom. However, events could have gone very differently. Depp was one of many well-known actors who were considered for the part before DiCaprio was hired. Depp ultimately rejected the script because he found it to be tedious and dull.
Signs (2002):
The movie Signs is regarded as one of M. Night Shyamalan’s finest works. Father Graham Hess and his family go to an isolated farmhouse where they soon begin to notice unusual occurrences in their fields. This sets the stage for the sci-fi horror movie. Depp was a candidate for the role of Graham Hess prior to Mel Gibson, but the studio ultimately chose Gibson.
Speed (1994):
Undoubtedly among the best action flicks of the 1990s is Speed. Dennis Hopper plays an ex-cop turned bomber in the movie, and Keanu Reeves plays Jack, an LAPD SWAT officer. In a cruel turn of events, Depp was given the part before Reeves in the competition for the same role. Keanu Reeves was offered the part after Depp turned down both of them.
Pulp Fiction (1994):
Depp was a candidate for the character of Pumpkin, played by Tim Roth in Quentin Tarantino’s cult blockbuster Pulp Fiction. Tim Roth was at the top of Tarantino’s list of candidates for the character of Pumpkin, followed by Christian Slater and Johnny Depp, the director said in an interview for the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast. Producer Mike Medavoy wanted Depp over Roth because Depp could add significant star power to the picture. In response, Tarantino questioned how much Depp could contribute to the box office if he just appeared at the beginning and conclusion of the movie.
The Matrix (1999):
One of the greatest movie series ever is The Matrix. Depp and Reeves were both considered for the same character in the movie, with Johnny Depp being the Wachowski Sisters’ top choice for the part. Val Kilmer and Brad Pitt were passed up in favour of Depp by Warner Bros.’ senior executives. Reeves was cast to play Neo when Depp withdrew due to his hectic schedule, catapulting him to fame.
