Corey Feldman Claims Johnny Depp Sabotaged His Casting in 'What’s Eating Gilbert Grape'

In a stunning revelation, Corey Feldman claims that Johnny Depp played a role in him losing the iconic role of Arnie in 'What’s Eating Gilbert Grape' to Leonardo DiCaprio. Dive into the drama!

Feldman’s Bold Claim

The film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape not only launched Leonardo DiCaprio’s career but also earned him his first Oscar nomination. However, one person who was not part of this memorable cinematic experience is Corey Feldman, and according to him, it’s all Johnny Depp's doing.

In a recent episode of The Magnificent Others podcast aired on March 26, the 53-year-old Goonies star revealed that he was initially cast as Arnie, a role that ultimately went to DiCaprio, who is now 50 years old.

The Bitter Truth

During his conversation with host Billy Corgan, Feldman expressed his lingering bitterness over the situation. “I never saw the film because I’m still bitter,” he shared, stating that he was originally slated for the role.

When the topic shifted to whether he was pushed out of the project, Feldman didn’t mince words. “Johnny Depp,” he stated bluntly. Feldman claims that Depp was cast shortly after him and allegedly influenced the producers against him by saying he wasn’t fond of Feldman.

Allegations of Sabotage

Digging deeper into his claims, Feldman suggested that Depp told producers he didn’t want to work with him, labeling him as a “junkie” and asserting he wouldn't associate with someone like that. “But I was sober,” Feldman insisted. “I had just gotten sober—I had just gotten out of rehab. I had turned my life around,” he clarified, revealing that at that time, he was actually focused on helping River Phoenix, who was friends with Depp.

Feldman continued, “As we all know, River’s last night on Earth was at Johnny’s establishment,” referring to The Viper Room, a nightclub co-owned by Depp. “So, as you can imagine, there was a bit of a thorn in the side on that one.”

For context, River Phoenix tragically passed away on October 31, 1993, after a drug overdose outside The Viper Room at the young age of 23.

What If?

Reflecting on the loss of the role, Feldman mused, “Had I not been pushed out and done that role, who knows what would have happened from that point forward?” He also mentioned that he later auditioned for both Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, but ultimately lost those roles to DiCaprio and his former Goonies costar Sean Astin, respectively. He admitted, “There was a bitter tea there. That said, you don’t hang on those; you get past ’em.”

In conclusion, Feldman’s claims about Johnny Depp add an intriguing layer to Hollywood’s history. What do you think? Could personal rivalries have altered the course of these actors' careers?

• What role did Corey Feldman claim he lost? Feldman claimed he lost the role of Arnie in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Why does Feldman believe Johnny Depp influenced the casting decision? Feldman alleges that Depp told producers he was not fond of him and labeled him a “junkie”.
• What did Feldman say about his sobriety? He stated he had just gotten sober and turned his life around when he lost the role.
• Who was Feldman trying to help during that time? He was trying to help River Phoenix, who was friends with Depp.
• What other roles did Feldman audition for after losing Arnie’s role? He auditioned for Titanic and The Lord of the Rings but lost those roles as well.

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