Johnny Depp Beats Tom Cruise for Edward Scissorhands, But Thought He ‘Blew It’—Find Out Why

In 1990, Johnny Depp’s career took a transformative turn when he landed the titular role in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. Yet, as much as his portrayal would become iconic, Depp’s path to that moment was riddled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and fierce competition from some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

A Role Worth Fighting For
The role of Edward Scissorhands, a gentle artificial being with scissors for hands, was highly coveted. Reports suggest that A-list stars like Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and even Michael Jackson were considered for the part. Cruise, in particular, came close to landing it, which only intensified Depp’s feelings of inadequacy. At the time, Depp was primarily known as a TV actor from 21 Jump Street, a label he feared would prevent him from being taken seriously.

A Rocky Start
When Depp first learned about the opportunity, he was anything but confident. According to a 1998 interview, Depp felt the audition was “pointless” and even “embarrassing.” He admitted thinking, “Why would [Burton] give it to me?” and initially asked his agent to cancel the meeting entirely. Thankfully, his agent pushed back, urging him to take the chance.

Self-Doubt and the Shadow of Competition
Much of Depp’s hesitation stemmed from the shadow cast by other contenders. The idea of competing against Cruise or Hanks—both well-established stars at the time—made Depp question his own standing in Hollywood. He believed his background in television would disqualify him in Burton’s eyes, leaving him convinced he had “blown it” before even walking into the room.

The Outcome
Despite his fears, Depp’s audition struck a chord with Burton, who saw something unique in his interpretation. Depp went on to deliver one of his most memorable performances, cementing his status as a versatile leading man and beginning a long-running creative partnership with Burton.

Reflecting on the Role
Even after securing the part, Depp’s insecurity lingered. During filming, he worried about being replaced, a sign that the specter of doubt hadn’t entirely vanished. Still, Depp’s deep connection to Edward was clear. Years later, he described leaving the character behind as “heartbreaking,” underscoring how meaningful the role became for him despite his initial reluctance.

A Career-Defining Moment
Johnny Depp’s journey to Edward Scissorhands is more than a story of landing a big break—it’s a lesson in pushing through self-doubt and embracing opportunities, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Without his willingness to step into the audition room, Depp might never have become the eccentric, transformative star audiences know today.