Johnny Depp Opens Up About Being ‘Freaked Out’ by Fame as a Young Star – You Won’t Believe What He Reveals!

In a revealing new documentary on the career of director Tim Burton, Johnny Depp opens up about his early years in Hollywood and the intense media scrutiny that came with his rise to fame.

The four-part documentary series, directed by Tara Wood, delves into Burton’s storied career, highlighting the films and collaborations that made him a household name. Depp, a frequent Burton collaborator, shares candid reflections on his initial discomfort with stardom, recalling how the paparazzi and public attention left him feeling vulnerable.

“I was completely freaked out by [fame],” Depp says in the second episode. “Paparazzi would take pictures of me. People would whisper and point their finger and stuff. I felt like sort of this raw nerve on display.”

Depp’s partnership with Burton began with 1990’s Edward Scissorhands, a role that not only cemented his status as a leading man but also brought with it the pressures of celebrity. In the documentary, Depp recalls the competitive process for landing the part, beating out high-profile contenders like Tom Cruise. Yet, despite the film’s ultimate success, Depp reveals that the experience was far from smooth.

Initially, Depp worried he wasn’t meeting Burton’s expectations, especially when the director chose not to rehearse him with the rest of the cast. “I was absolutely convinced that I was blowing it,” Depp says. “Tim had rehearsed everyone else in the cast. Everyone. Not me. He didn’t rehearse me. He was excluding me from the cast and crew, isolating me.”

It wasn’t until later that Depp realized Burton’s deliberate approach was meant to help him embody the loneliness of Edward Scissorhands. Despite the initial paranoia, the two found a unique understanding of each other, forming a creative bond that led to a series of memorable collaborations, including Ed Wood, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Sweeney Todd.

Depp also reflects on how he and Burton connected over shared interests during their first meeting. “We would talk about Boris Karloff or something. We related on a lot of levels,” Depp recalls, describing their initial conversation as a “great yak” that lasted for hours.

Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, Wood’s documentary—currently seeking distribution—includes interviews with Burton’s other long-time collaborators like Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Danny Elfman. Through these perspectives, the series paints a vivid portrait of Burton’s unique style, the challenges faced by his stars, and the creative genius that brought so many iconic films to life.

Depp’s candid reflections on fame and his creative relationship with Burton offer a rare glimpse into the struggles behind the scenes of his most beloved roles.