Corey Feldman claims Johnny Depp’s ‘junkie’ accusation got him fired from ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’

Corey Feldman Claims Johnny Depp’s ‘Junkie’ Accusation Got Him Fired from ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’

Actor Corey Feldman has recently alleged that Johnny Depp was instrumental in his removal from the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. In a candid discussion on Billy Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others, Feldman revealed that he was initially cast as Arnie Grape—a role that ultimately earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Academy Award nomination. citeturn0news12

Feldman recounted that after Depp secured the lead role of Gilbert Grape, he expressed reluctance to work alongside Feldman, allegedly labeling him a “junkie” to the film’s producers. Feldman emphasized that he was sober at the time, having recently completed rehabilitation. citeturn0news12

Expressing lingering bitterness over the lost opportunity, Feldman remarked, “I never saw the film because I’m still bitter… I was originally cast for that role.” He also speculated on how portraying Arnie Grape might have positively influenced his career trajectory. citeturn0news12

In addition to What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Feldman disclosed that he was considered for other significant roles during the 1990s, including Jack Dawson in Titanic and Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Despite these setbacks, Feldman maintains that he harbors no grudges and continues to move forward in his career. citeturn0news12

Representatives for Johnny Depp have not responded to these allegations.

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