Corey Feldman has had an incredible journey in Hollywood, but there's one missed opportunity that still stings—a role that could have possibly changed the entire trajectory of his career. In a recent conversation on The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan podcast, Feldman opened up about a part he had originally landed but lost in a surprising twist. The role? The one that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 classic What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
That’s right—Feldman was set to star opposite Johnny Depp in the critically acclaimed film. According to him, it wasn’t just a case of bad timing or studio decisions. He claims that it was Johnny Depp himself who got him removed from the project. "I was actually cast to play Leonardo DiCaprio’s role," Feldman revealed, sharing a rare and personal behind-the-scenes story. When host Billy Corgan asked if he was forced out of the movie, Feldman didn’t hold back. "Johnny did."
A Career-Changing What-If
Imagine how different things could have been. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was a breakthrough for DiCaprio, earning him his first Oscar nomination and cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s top actors. Feldman wonders if that could have been his moment. “Had I not been pushed out and done that role, who knows what would have happened from that point forward?” he pondered. It’s a tough question for any actor—one that lingers long after the cameras stop rolling.
The Alleged Whisper That Changed Everything
Feldman didn’t just lose the role—he believes there was an active effort to remove him. He claims that Depp was cast after him and then made a private move to get him ousted. "Apparently, [Johnny] whispered into the producers’ ear that he wasn’t fond of me," Feldman explained. "He said I was a junkie and that he didn’t work with junkies."
This accusation is particularly painful for Feldman, who insists that at the time, he was clean and sober. He had just completed rehab and was actively trying to turn his life around. The idea that his past struggles with substance abuse were used against him, especially when he was working hard to stay on the right path, makes the alleged betrayal even more bitter.
A Troubling Connection to River Phoenix
One aspect of this story that makes it even more tragic is Feldman’s connection to River Phoenix. He mentioned in the podcast that he had been trying to help Phoenix, who was struggling with addiction. At the time, Phoenix was hanging out with Depp, and as many people know, his last night alive was spent at The Viper Room, a nightclub once co-owned by Depp. Phoenix died in 1993 from a drug overdose right outside the club, adding another layer of heartbreak to the situation.
“So, as you can imagine, there was a bit of a thorn in the side on that one,” Feldman said, hinting at the complicated dynamics that existed between him, Depp, and Phoenix during that time. While he stopped short of making direct accusations regarding Phoenix’s death, the pain in his words was clear.
A Role He’s Never Been Able to Watch
For Feldman, the whole Gilbert Grape situation is still an open wound. In fact, he admits he’s never even watched the movie. "It’s still a bitter leaf," he said, expressing how difficult it is for him to revisit what might have been. Seeing DiCaprio in the role that he once held in his hands is just too much to bear.
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Cutthroat Nature
This revelation is just another example of how ruthless Hollywood can be. It’s a place where whispers can end careers, where past mistakes—even those you’ve worked hard to correct—can follow you for years. Feldman’s story is a reminder of how easily someone’s fate in the entertainment industry can change with a single conversation behind closed doors.
Would his career have skyrocketed if he had played Arnie Grape? Would he have had the same trajectory as DiCaprio, landing major leading roles and becoming one of the biggest actors of his generation? Those are questions that can never truly be answered, but they certainly make for a fascinating Hollywood “what-if.”
Johnny Depp’s Side of the Story?
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to Depp’s representative for a response, but as of now, there has been no official comment. Depp has never publicly addressed this claim, and it remains unclear whether he remembers events the same way Feldman does. Given how both actors have had their own controversies and struggles over the years, this is just another chapter in the complex history of Hollywood friendships and rivalries.
Feldman’s Journey Continues
Despite setbacks like this one, Feldman has continued to work in the industry. From The Goonies to Stand by Me, he has left his mark on Hollywood history. He has also been vocal about the darker side of the entertainment business, speaking out against abuse and corruption in ways that few former child stars have dared to.
While What’s Eating Gilbert Grape may forever be the role that got away, Feldman’s story isn’t over yet. He remains a compelling figure in Hollywood—one with stories that need to be told and experiences that deserve to be heard. And as he continues to reflect on his past, one thing is clear: Corey Feldman is still standing, still fighting, and still making sure his voice is heard.
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