Did Johnny Depp Convince Producer to Let Go of Corey Feldman from What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Actor Claims, ‘He Wasn’t Fond of Me’

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Corey Feldman recently shared that there’s one opportunity he felt was missed, leaving him with lingering bitterness. In a recent discussion, Feldman discussed the 1993 movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and how Johnny Depp played a significant part in his decision to step away from the film.

On the Magnificent Others podcast, Feldman shared that his initial role was intended to be Arnie, who happens to be the handicapped younger sibling of the character portrayed by Johnny Depp (Gilbert Grape).

During a conversation with host Billy Corgan, Feldman stated that he originally landed the part which eventually went to Leonardo DiCaprio in the film.

Expressing his ongoing resentment towards the situation, Feldman emphasized, “Initially, I was chosen to play that part.

When Billy Corgan inquired about being replaced in the movie, Feldman countered by bringing up Johnny Depp. He explained that Depp had been cast instead of him and asserted that Depp had hinted to the producers that he wasn’t fond of him, whispering something like, “I don’t get along with him.” Feldman also claimed that Depp told the producers, “He said I was a drug addict and he doesn’t work with drug addicts.

In simpler terms, the actor from the 2004 horror-comedy “Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys” spoke up for the first time about this subject.

In a subsequent exchange, Billy Corgan inquired about Corey Feldman’s drug use during the movie’s production. Feldman, who starred in Stand by Me, shared that he had only just kicked his addiction and was fresh out of rehab when filming took place.

In the end, Leonardo DiCaprio garnered his initial Oscar nod for playing Arnie in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

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2025-03-27 16:22