Corey Feldman has made shocking claims against Johnny Depp, alleging that the Hollywood star played a role in getting him fired from the movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” The revelation was made during an episode of Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others. Feldman, known for his role in the iconic film “The Goonies,” asserted that he was initially cast to play the character of Arnie Grape, a teenager with developmental disabilities, in the 1993 movie. This part was eventually portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who received critical acclaim for his performance and earned an Academy Award nomination.
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According to Feldman, Depp’s involvement in the film led to his dismissal from the project. He claimed that Depp expressed his disapproval of working with Feldman, allegedly labeling him as a “junkie.” Feldman, now 53, shared this story publicly for the first time on the podcast, acknowledging the potential backlash for his revelations. In his memoir “Coreyography,” published in 2013, Feldman openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, which he utilized as a coping mechanism to deal with childhood trauma. He disclosed that by the time he was offered the role in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” he had embarked on a journey to sobriety.
Feldman emphasized that he was in a stable place in his life, having recently completed a stint in rehab and was even attempting to support his friend, the late River Phoenix, in his own battles. Phoenix tragically passed away in 1993 due to a drug overdose outside The Viper Room, a nightclub co-owned by Depp at the time. This connection further complicated Feldman’s professional relationship with Depp, leading to bitterness over losing the opportunity to portray Arnie in the film.
Expressing regret over the missed opportunity, Feldman reflected on the potential impact on his career trajectory if he had retained the role. He underscored the significance of the part in launching DiCaprio’s career towards an Oscar nomination. Feldman also disclosed other instances where he narrowly missed out on significant roles in blockbuster movies, such as being considered for the character Jack in “Titanic” and Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Upon reflecting on these missed opportunities, the actor expressed his understanding of how circumstances unfolded and acknowledged the talents of those who eventually secured the roles. Despite the setbacks, Feldman remains active in the industry, reflecting on his past experiences with humility and resilience. As these revelations make headlines, the entertainment industry continues to showcase the complexities and challenges faced by actors behind the scenes, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that influence casting decisions and career trajectories.
In response to these claims, representatives for Johnny Depp and the director of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” Lasse Hallström, have been approached for comment. The unfolding narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal relationships and professional pursuits within the entertainment industry, offering an insight into the untold stories that shape the careers of individuals like Corey Feldman.