Johnny Depp Opens Up About Early Struggles With Heartthrob Status in New Tim Burton Docu-Series: ‘Raw Nerve on Display’

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Johnny Depp speaks candidly about his early success and his life-changing work with Tim Burton in an upcoming four-part docu-series directed by Tara Wood. The Edward Scissorhands actor opened up about struggling with his heartthrob status early on in his career and how he formed an unshakable creative bond with the Beetlejuice director.

In the second episode of the series, Depp comments on how uncomfortable he was with the heartthrob image he developed early in his career. He spoke about being bombarded by constant attention, with paparazzi taking his picture and people whispering whenever he passed by. The harsh glare left him vulnerable and self-conscious.

Depp stated, “I was utterly terrified by [fame]. Photographers would snap photos of me constantly. People would whisper and point at me. I felt exposed and vulnerable, like an open wound on display.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor called his initial meeting with Burton an instant rapport. Their discussion immediately turned to common ground such as old horror movies and Boris Karloff, creating a connection based on mutual respect. Depp departed the meeting firmly believing he had no shot at playing the part.

Among many actors, Depp mentioned he beat Tom Cruise for the role of 1990’s Edward Scissorhands. However, he recalled, “After about three-and-a-half hours of a really great yak with the guy, I still thought, ‘No chance, man. No chance.'”

Depp stated, “I joined the movie cast, but I felt like I hadn’t fully become a part of this family yet.” Additionally, he admitted, “I thought I was messing everything up. Tim had prepared everyone else in the cast. Every single one. But not me. He didn’t prepare me. It seemed like he was keeping me out of the group and making me feel isolated.

Eventually, Depp realized that Burton’s approach was intentional. By keeping Depp secluded, Burton aimed to help Depp tap into Edward’s deep feeling of loneliness – a reflection of Burton’s own character.

Johnny Depp confessed the experience made him paranoid, not knowing whether Burton trusted him. It was later that he understood fully how this approach made him a better actor.

It was quite unsettling, and I was incredibly anxious. I couldn’t understand why Burton wasn’t rehearsing me. Perhaps he trusted me, but no, that can’t be it. He doesn’t trust you, are you out of your mind? He’s going to hire someone else instead.” (Depp remembered)

Tim Burton’s unnamed four-episode documentary series offers a revealing look at the life of the legendary filmmaker and his lasting impact on the movie industry.

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2025-03-15 19:25