Johnny Depp Nearly Missed Out on Iconic Role in ‘Edward Scissorhands’

Johnny Depp recently revealed that he almost skipped the audition for the role of Edward Scissorhands, the iconic character in Tim Burton’s 1990 film. At the time, Depp was focused on television work, notably starring in the popular series “21 Jump Street,” which was a hit in the United States in the late 1980s. This success made him hesitant to pursue the role of Edward.

Depp shared his experience during an event promoting Tim Burton’s documentary series at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. “I called my agent after reading the script and said, ‘Please cancel the audition. I’m not going,'” Depp recounted. “She said, ‘Are you crazy?’ It was strange because there’s always that idiot inside your skull telling you, ‘Come on, man. You’re a TV actor.’ Because back then, it was about being one thing or the other.”

Despite his initial reluctance, Depp ultimately went on to audition and secured the role, leading to one of the most memorable performances of his career. His portrayal of Edward Scissorhands not only solidified his status as a versatile actor but also marked the beginning of a longstanding collaboration with Tim Burton.

The actor’s candid reflection highlights the internal struggles many actors face when transitioning between television and film, especially during an era when the two mediums were seen as distinct career paths. Depp’s decision to embrace the opportunity ultimately changed the trajectory of his career and contributed to the enduring legacy of “Edward Scissorhands.”