Johnny Depp is the quintessential maverick in Hollywood. The celebrity has had an illustrious career and has often gone against the beaten path by choosing an eclectic array of roles. From his debut in the cult horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, the actor went on to star in a variety of dramas, comedies, and action adventures, that showcased his vast talent. Some of his notable films include Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise in which his character Captain Jack Sparrow has gained cult status among audiences. Despite playing many interesting and challenging roles, Johnny Depp has been conspicuous in his absence from the superhero genre so far. But according to sources in Hollywood, the Blow actor was almost a part of a few comic book adaptations that ultimately did not materialize.
Johnny Depp Rejected a Prominent Role in The Dark Night Sequel
Johnny Depp has essayed some of the most memorable roles in Hollywood throughout his career. The Sleepy Hollow star though has also missed out on his share of high-profile characters, especially in the superhero franchise. Depp was reportedly approached by director Christopher Nolan to play the role of the iconic DC villain Riddler in a potential sequel of The Dark Knight that was in the works. While the star denied these rumors, he was also honest in confessing that he would have been intimidated to be part of the film after the late Heath Ledger’s mindblowing and award-winning interpretation of Joker in The Dark Night. Christopher Nolan subsequently went on to direct The Dark Night Rises with antagonists that included Bane, Catwoman, and Talia Al Ghul.
Johnny Depp Could Have Also Played These Comic Book Characters
Johnny Deep also revealed that he was in the running to play Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever, a role that ultimately went to Val Kilmer. The actor is allegedly quoted to have said that Schumacher denied him the opportunity to play this character. Depp has also admitted that he was interested in the character of Namor, the anti-hero who was introduced in Wakanda Forever. Having been a fan of The Submariner Comics which is also the other name given to Namor, The Tourist star was allegedly keen on playing the character.
There were also reports that he was considered for Dr. Strange but this information was denied by Marvel Head Kevin Feige, who stated that an actor of Depp’s caliber was not needed for the superhero genre at the time. While the DC and Marvel franchises ultimately cast excellent actors for these roles, it would have been intriguing to see Johnny Depp’s quirky aesthetic coming to the fore, if he had accepted to play these characters.
Source: Newsbreak
