Corey Feldman Blames Johnny Depp for Career Setback in Shocking Podcast Reveal
Let’s dissect this juicy Hollywood drama, shall we? Corey Feldman, the child star who lit up the ’80s, has decided to spill the tea regarding his career trajectory — or should we say, his downward spiral? During an episode of Billy Corgan’s “The Magnificent Others” podcast, Feldman revealed that he was initially slated to play Arnie in the 1993 classic “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” However, he claims that none other than Johnny Depp, the ever-enigmatic actor with a penchant for quirky roles, allegedly flexed his star power to get him booted from the role, which eventually went to Leonardo DiCaprio.
Feldman insists that he was already cast and ready to shine when Depp, then a rising star, voiced his reluctance to work alongside him, citing concerns over Feldman’s past struggles with addiction. While it’s true that the young Feldman faced significant challenges, including rehab stints, he was reportedly sober and focused on his career by the time of the casting. Ironically, at that juncture, he was even helping River Phoenix, Depp’s friend, during his own tumultuous period before Phoenix tragically passed away from an overdose outside Depp’s co-owned nightclub, The Viper Room.
Feldman’s retelling is laced with bitterness, as he admits he’s never even seen “Gilbert Grape.” The film not only marked DiCaprio’s ascendance to stardom — bagging him an Oscar nomination — but also left Feldman pondering the ‘what ifs’ of his own career. After all, who wouldn’t wonder how their life might have unfolded differently had a single encounter turned out in their favor? As Feldman divulged these long-buried feelings, one can almost hear the collective gasp of Hollywood insiders, as this is not merely a simple anecdote; it is a potent reminder of the intricate web of relationships that can dictate the fate of even the most talented individuals.
In the end, one has to ask: in the game of fame, how many other stories like Feldman’s remain untold?
Sources: Celebrity Storm
