“Everyone was being so mean to him”: Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks Rejected the Movie That Left Lily-Rose Depp Traumatized

SUMMARY

• Lily-Rose Depp revealed in an interview that Edward Scissorhands, starring her father Johnny Depp, traumatized her due to the mistreatment Edward faced.
• Actors like Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and others were initially considered for Edward Scissorhands but passed on the opportunity, paving the way for Johnny Depp.
• Johnny Depp’s nuanced portrayal of Edward, primarily through emotive expressions, turned the character into an iconic figure in cinema history.

In Hollywood, there have been many iconic roles that were first passed around or rejected by stars. Even heavyweights like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks have missed out on great opportunities. But could it be for the best? Because one such performance left Lily-Rose Depp traumatized. 

Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu | Universal Pictures

A single viewing of her father’s most beloved film was a painful experience for her. So, which was this movie and role and why did it ignite such a reaction within the actress? Let’s find out. 

The movie that traumatized Lily-Rose Depp

Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands | 20th Century Studios

As of now, Lily-Rose Depp has been carving out a path for herself in the industry, but her childhood wasn’t ordinary at all. Being raised by Johnny Depp, one of the most enigmatic actors of our time, the Nosferatu actress had to watch movies starring her father, but one of them almost scarred her. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she recalled watching Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands.

Being young and unaware of how films work, Depp couldn’t understand why her father was being mistreated in the movie. The climax sequence stressed her out even more, and she couldn’t stand the way townsfolk turned on her father’s character, Edward.

She drew parallels with her recent release, the Robert Eggers directorial which also happens to be a gothic film. But it’s yet to be seen if the movie can bring her the same fame that Edward Scissorhands brought Johnny Depp.

Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and several other actors rejected Edward Scissorhands

Tom Cruise as Willam Cage in Edge of Tomorrow | Warner Bros. Pictures

Before Johnny Depp became Edward, there were other prominent actors who were considered for the role. Tom Cruise was one of the early frontrunners as he had an amazing box-office following, after some amazing action blockbusters. However, the director wanted to ensure that the protagonist is not a known face (via Screen Rant). 

Tom Hanks, one of the most renowned actors who has given us gems like Cast Away and Forrest Gump, passed on the project. Instead, he opted to star in The Bonfire of the Vanities (via LA Times). If any of these two would’ve starred in the movie, it would change the course of Edward Scissorhands, making it a commercially mainstream project. 

Other big names like Gary Oldman, Jim Carrey, and Michael Jackson could’ve also been the film lead, but ultimately it was Johnny Depp who perfectly captured Edward’s essence. Even though he barely spoke in the movie, the emotive expressions made him a timeless character. 

Written by Sonika Kamble

Articles Published: 411

Sonika thrives on her passion for cinema, artistic expression, and philosophical exploration. Every medium of storytelling intrigues her, and she can’t help but dissect the layers to unravel the deeper meaning behind an arc or a scene. She finds contentment in playing chess, vibing to background scores, and penning the next chapter of her book. Sonika is driven by the idea of being a dutiful and responsible human who dedicates herself to a task, regardless of the outcome—a principle she’s committed to upholding at FandomWire.