Johnny Depp beat out Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and Michael Jackson in the fight for the role of Edward Scissorhands (5 photos)

Johnny Depp shared new details about the casting of the film "Edward Scissorhands" on the set of the documentary series about Tim Burton. He listed the people he competed with for the lead role. The competition was so tough that he almost gave up.





By that time, Depp had finished working on the TV series “21 Jump Street” (1987-1990) and wanted to get rid of his reputation as a teen idol.

“To be honest, for the last two years I have done everything possible to get fired,” Depp admitted.

The actor explained that his role in John Waters' film Cry-Baby (1990) was the first serious step in the direction he wanted to go.



After reading Tim Burton's fantasy script, Johnny realized that he wanted to get this role.

"The script was wonderful. The character was wonderful. I think what hooked me was that Edward was me."

However, he had stiff competition. The actor said that Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and Michael Jackson were considered for the lead role.

After the success of Peavey's Big Adventure (1985) and Beetlejuice (1988), Burton received offers from film studios. Given all these factors, Depp sincerely convinced himself that he should refuse to participate.





"Tim was really hesitant because he was under pressure from his agent, the studio, everything. After reading the script, I called my agent and said, 'Please cancel the meeting, I'm not going,'" Johnny recalls.

But in response the actor heard: “Are you crazy?” Looking back, he explains: “I had this asshole in my head that was like, ‘Come on, man. You're a TV actor."



Depp eventually met with Burton. As you already know, he was perfect for the role. From that moment on, their fruitful collaboration began, giving viewers Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Alice in Wonderland (2010).