News culture Tom Cruise was a hair’s breadth away from landing the title role in one of Tim Burton’s cult films, it’s hard to imagine him playing the character
Instead of Johnny Depp, this other star actor could have played this legendary role in one of Tim Burton’s most famous films.
Cruise with Scissorhands
Do you remember Edward Scissorhands, that absolutely iconic feature film from Tim Burton’s heyday, which starred actor Johnny Depp, when he was not yet involved in lawsuits against his ex? What if we told you that instead of Jack Sparrow’s interpreter, Tom Cruise could have gotten the role? In fact, the actor, known for fully committing himself to his roles, was in the running to play this character so unique that today we are much more likely to imagine him as a multitalented Depp. In order to fully immerse himself in the character with steely hands, Cruise asked a whole series of very specific questions that screenwriter Caroline Thompson could not answer. Cruise specifically wanted to know how Edward went to the bathroom, which Thompson said was part of the “delicacy” of the character and the film. After receiving no answers, the star ultimately turned down the role, which later led to Johnny Depp being cast as Edward.
“(Tom Cruise, editor’s note) wanted to know how Edward went to the bathroom. (…) Part of the subtlety of the story was not answering those questions. Tom Cruise certainly wasn’t willing to be in the film without those questions being answered. -Caroline Thompson
Depp ultimately delivered a masterful performance in what has now become a classic film, while Cruise enjoyed immense success with other films such as Interview with the Vampire, Top Gun and Mission Impossible.
Another star turned down the role
Another anecdote even tells that a second actor, this time an Oscar winner, was also offered the role of Edward, but turned it down because he did not understand the scenario.. This is Gary Oldman, an actor appreciated for the intensity of his performances and his versatility. A decision that therefore seems more credible to us, but which again failed. In a podcast called “Happy Sad Confused”, the American actor spoke about this famous role that he turned down: “I hate wasting other people’s time. I think it’s rude. (…) I didn’t meet Tim Burton because I didn’t understand the script. I read it and said to myself: “There’s a castle on a hill, this guy has scissors (…) pfff, I don’t understand it”. A year later, the man watches the film and says, “Okay, I get it.” No significant consequences for his career, the star would go on to play the equally legendary Dracula a few years later before recently landing a role in Oppenheimer.
