10 Movies Johnny Depp Almost Starred In: From The Matrix, Pulp Fiction To Titanic, Mr & Mrs Smith & More, This Much-Loved Pirate Missed Stealing Our Hearts In These Hits (Photo Credit –wikimedia/IMDb)
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I first encountered Johnny Depp through the echoes of the late ’80s and early ’90s police crime drama, “21 Jump Street.” And then, in the year 2003, a cinematic gem emerged from the abyss, born of a theme park’s inspiration, graced with the name “Pirates of the Caribbean.” It seized my heart with an enchantment that lingers, though I was but a delicate soul of 6 or 7 years. The memory remains like a melancholic tune playing in the background.
The early 2010s brought a golden age for Johnny Depp. He ascended to the pinnacle of stardom, a shining star among stars, in the year 2012. But, oh, how cruelly life’s tides can change. A sequence of letdowns, with titles like “The Lone Ranger,” “Transcendence,” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” dimmed the brilliance of his career.
Personal tribulations with Amber Heard, like relentless rain on a fragile flower, deepened his sorrows and, in the end, led to his banishment from the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a decree handed down by the House of Mouse. It’s a story of dreams fading into the shadows, leaving a once-illustrious star to languish in the twilight of his own legacy.
Amidst this sorrowful backdrop, I contemplated compiling a list of films Johnny Depp chose to turn away from. It’s a testament to the fleeting nature of fame and fortune, a melancholic symphony of missed opportunities.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix Poster(Photo Credit –IMDb)
Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves found themselves at a crossroads, when both were in contention for the role of Neo in “The Matrix.” Remarkably, Don Davis, the musical architect of “The Matrix” trilogy, revealed that the Wachowski Sisters initially favored Depp for the role, despite Warner Bros.’ leanings towards actors like Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer. Serendipity struck as the studio circled back to Depp after those contenders withdrew, only to see Depp himself decline, potentially due to his complex schedule.
Ultimately, Reeves secured the Wachowskis’ approval through his unwavering commitment to the matrix’s concept, as noted by Davis. It remains a formidable task to imagine another actor capable of embodying the precise amalgamation of zen coolness and charismatic ‘dudeness’ that Reeves flawlessly brought to the role.
Speed (1994)
Speed Poster(Photo Credit –IMDb)
Johnny Depp’s career has been marked by versatility, yet the title of an action movie star remained beyond his grasp. The tantalizing “what if” lingers when one considers the opportunity he passed up to play LAPD SWAT officer Jack Traven in the iconic 1994 action-thriller “Speed,” a role that ultimately catapulted Keanu Reeves to stardom. This missed chance was not an isolated incident as Depp and Reeves competed for the same action movie roles on multiple occasions, leaving us to ponder the untaken paths in Hollywood’s unforgiving landscape.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
A Series of Unfortunate Events Poster(Photo Credit – IMDb)
The intriguing and delightfully peculiar universe of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” appeared custom-made for Tim Burton‘s distinctive storytelling. Initially, during the early stages of the 2004 film adaptation’s development, Tim Burton was set to direct, and Johnny Depp was slated to bring to life the cunning antagonist, Count Olaf. This casting seemed like a seamless match, affording Depp an opportunity to showcase his talent for transformation and, at the very least, his love for extravagant costumes. Nevertheless, Count Olaf’s character took a departure from the outsider roles that Depp typically gravitates toward in Burton’s films.
As the project underwent creative shifts with Tim Burton’s departure, a new direction was taken. The role of the sly and wealth-seeking stage performer was reimagined with Jim Carrey, who skillfully pushed the boundaries of absurdity. Carrey transformed the character into a delightful blend of comical eccentricity and menace within the darkly humorous narrative.
Face/Off (1997)
Face/Off Poster(Photo Credit – IMDb)
In the world of casting and Hollywood decisions, Johnny Depp was initially considered for the role of a determined FBI agent pitted against an enigmatic terrorist portrayed by Nicolas Cage, under the direction of Marco Brambilla. However, Depp declined the role after realizing the script had no connection to hockey. Subsequently, Marco Brambilla also withdrew, making way for John Woo to take over as director, and the rest is now a part of cinematic history.
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Interview with the Vampire Poster(Photo Credit – IMDb)
In the dark and brooding world of the undead, Anne Rice, the mistress of nocturnal tales, bared her fangs in displeasure as Tom Cruise was summoned to embody Lestat de Lioncourt in the 1994 cinematic translation of “Interview with the Vampire.” Whispers echo through the shadows, questioning if her lamentations might have taken a different tune had Johnny Depp been the one to don the immortal mantle, for their eerie similarities could have yielded a more intriguing symphony of darkness.
Signs (2002)
Signs Poster(Photo Credit – IMDb)
“Signs,” a prized jewel in M. Night Shyamalan’s cinematic portfolio, unfolds a science fiction horror story where Graham Hess and his family move to a remote farmhouse, entangled in eerie events. Yet, a mysterious choice lingered behind the scenes: Johnny Depp was once considered for Graham Hess’s role before Mel Gibson took the spotlight, prompting us to ponder the enigmatic decision that favored Gibson in the end.
Titanic (1997)
Titanic Poster(Photo Credit – IMDb)
In the late 1990s, against the backdrop of Hollywood’s ambitious endeavors and under the distinguished name of James Cameron, a compelling narrative emerged. At its heart was the cinematic epic “Titanic,” a groundbreaking historical romance that marked a significant milestone as the film industry’s first with a budget of $200 million. Amid the soaring expectations, skepticism lingered like a gentle breeze.
James Cameron’s extensive script presented a formidable challenge, one that even the brightest stars of Hollywood hesitated to embrace. In a candid 2001 interview, the enigmatic actor Johnny Depp discussed how he grappled with the script, wrestling with uncertainty in his heart. Eventually, he relinquished the role of Jack Dawson, leaving the character’s destiny hanging in the balance.
Destiny had charted a different course. Enter Leonardo DiCaprio, celebrated not only for his artistic prowess but also for his shared cinematic journey with Depp in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” With unwavering commitment, DiCaprio embraced the role, steering “Titanic” through its remarkable journey across the cinematic seas.
Sin City (2005)
SIN CIT Poster(Photo Credit –Imdb)
In Robert Rodriguez’s 2005 adaptation of Frank Miller’s Sin City, a teary procedure unfolded, with Benicio Del Toro stepping into the role of the corrupt detective Jackie Boy. Intriguingly, Johnny Depp’s involvement was initially considered, but his prior commitments forced him to decline, ultimately paving the way for Del Toro’s successful portrayal.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction Poster(Photo Credit –Imdb)
In the fantastical world of Quentin Tarantino‘s cinematic opus, “Pulp Fiction,” a fascinating chapter unfurled when the possibility of Johnny Depp embodying the character Pumpkin was considered. Yet, as the narrative of casting unfolded, it was the delightful Tim Roth who gracefully assumed the character’s mantle. This enchanting revelation emerged during a captivating conversation on the “2 Bears, 1 Cave” podcast.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Poster(Photo Credit –Imdb)
In the zany world of Hollywood, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is less celebrated for its espionage-themed marriage exploration and more for unleashing the Brangelina craze. Imagine this: Johnny Depp was initially poised to be Mr. Smith, but he had more film commitments than a plate-spinner in a circus, so he gracefully stepped aside, allowing Brad Pitt to team up with Angelina Jolie as Mrs. Smith.
Within Tarantino’s discerning casting contemplations, three talented actors were considered for the role: Tim Roth, Christian Slater, and the enigmatic Johnny Depp. Interestingly, the producer behind the movie’s creation, Mike Medavoy, was inclined toward the renowned Depp, given his prominent status in the world of cinema. Yet, Tarantino, with his signature flair, raised a thought-provoking question: Would Depp’s character, with limited screen time at the film’s outset and conclusion, truly have a substantial impact on the movie’s box office success?
In the intricate tapestry of life, there exists a certain magic – a magic born of unpredictability. It often happens that our deepest desires lead us down unforeseen paths, revealing that our true needs lie in places we never anticipated. Johnny Depp’s cinematic odyssey is a testament to this phenomenon, a mesmerizing journey filled with choices that could have crafted an entirely distinct chapter in the enigmatic actor’s legacy.
As we contemplate the hypothetical consequences of these decisions, we’re reminded of the butterfly effect, where the subtlest of choices can set off profound reverberations throughout one’s existence. Imagine a reality in which Depp did not embark on the tumultuous journey of marriage with Amber Heard, thereby circumventing the public strife that unfolded.
In this alternate universe, we could have continued to bask in Depp’s remarkable portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, an iconic character who has etched his presence deeply into the hearts of countless admirers. Alas, these musings transport us into the realm of dreams, where the paths not taken shimmer with infinite possibilities, perpetually captivating our imagination.
