The classic Johnny Depp movie that Gary Oldman turned down: “This is crazy! I don’t understand this at all”
Given that Gary Oldman is one of the most highly regarded actors of his generation, it’s no surprise that he’s been offered more roles than he could possibly accept. Among these roles was one that ultimately went to Johnny Depp, a part that would significantly impact Depp’s career.
Examining Oldman’s career reveals a wide range of exceptional work. From his early British films like Sid and Nancy and Prick Up Your Ears to his breakthrough in the U.S. with State of Grace, JFK, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it’s clear that Oldman excelled in his craft from the very beginning of his career.
Despite Gary Oldman’s many successes throughout his career, there has been at least one notable commercial miss. Oldman was once considered for the lead role in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. When he declined, the role eventually went to Johnny Depp, who made it one of his most iconic performances.
Released in 1990, *Edward Scissorhands* featured Depp as the titular character, an unfinished artificial humanoid with scissors for hands. The story follows him as he is taken in by a suburban family, falls in love with their teenage daughter, and struggles to fit into normal society.
Though Depp delivered a career-defining performance as Edward, he wasn’t the initial choice.
Other actors such as Tom Cruise, William Hurt, John Cusack, Tom Hanks, and even Michael Jackson were either considered or expressed interest in the role.
Oldman was offered the part but struggled to understand the script. He shared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, “I read it and thought, there’s a castle on a hill, this guy has scissors for hands, and then there’s an Avon lady… I didn’t get it.”
Seeking clarity, Oldman met with Burton but remained unconvinced about the film’s potential and ultimately chose to decline the role. He also mentioned to Larry King, “I thought, this is ridiculous. There’s a castle, an Avon lady selling makeup, and a kid with scissor hands. I didn’t understand it at all.”
What Oldman passed on became Depp’s breakthrough. After considering Tom Cruise, who wanted a different ending, Burton eventually cast Depp, leading to a successful film and a long-standing collaboration between Depp and Burton.
Oldman might have regretted missing out, especially as *Edward Scissorhands* grossed $86 million at the box office on a $20 million budget, suggesting a potentially lucrative opportunity. However, not every role can go to one actor, and Oldman’s loss was Depp’s gain.
