Hollywood has often been plagued with ifs and buts, which took away potential projects from acclaimed filmmakers and actors. Evidently, Tim Burton’s wonderful romantic–fantasy Edward Scissorhands is one such movie that went to several A-listers like Gary Oldman and Tom Cruise, before landing on Johnny Depp’s filmography.
However, while Tom Cruise had bizarre reasons for turning down Edward Scissorhands, Gary Oldman certainly regretted losing the opportunity. On an episode of the Larry King show, Oldman reflected upon the rather unexpected project that came his way, but unfortunately, he had to turn it down during his earlier years.
Gary Oldman Regretted Turning Down Edward Scissorhands
Gary Oldman is often sought-after for several big-budget movies and acclaimed projects, due to his flawless ability to transform into any character. And while this talent landed him a diverse array of roles, the actor mentioned losing a highly anticipated project during his early years.
Recalling the rather unexpected project that he had turned down, Gary Oldman pointed out none other than Tim Burton‘s Edward Scissorhands. “I can tell you one story. That they were interested in me, many years ago, for Edward Scissorhands.” the actor began. Filled with regret, Oldman discussed how he rejected the movie, based on his prediction of the film’s potential.
“I read the script, I went ‘It’s ridiculous. There’s a castle at the end of this road, and then an Avon lady comes around selling make-up, and this kid’s got scissor hands? This is nuts. I don’t get this at all.”
Finding the movie chaotic with fantasy elements, Gary Oldman mentioned rejecting the project as he failed to realize its potential. Struggling to understand Tim Burton’s eccentric visual style and unconventional narrative while reading the script, Oldman mentioned, “And I go and see the movie…Literally two minutes in, I went: ‘Yeah. I get it.’”
Gary Oldman regretted his decision without any doubt, but he isn’t the only actor who turned down the massive hit movie.
Tom Cruise Was Offered To Play Edward Scissorhands
During his prime years in Hollywood, Tom Cruise was featured in most action movies and thus created a phenomenon in the industry. That’s when the actor was approached with the opportunity to play the lead role in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. But just like Oldman, Cruise too failed to understand the narrative of the movie.
However, despite 20th Century Fox wanting Tom Cruise to take on the iconic character, he was turned down by Tim Burton due to his bizarre questions. Caroline Thompson, the film’s scriptwriter stated, “[Cruise] wanted to know how Edward went to the bathroom. He was asking the kind of questions about the character that can’t be asked for this character!”
“Tom Cruise was certainly unwilling to be in the movie without those questions being answered.”
Not just bizarre questions, but Tom Cruise also tried interfering with the story’s ending. Thus, his demand to change the storyline was the final nail in the coffin. However, Cruise’s loss turned out to be Tim Burton’s gain as he landed Johnny Depp in the lead role. And certainly, Depp’s performance was widely praised, which helped the film earn massive success at the box office.
Watch Edward Scissorhands on Disney+.
Source: Far Out
