Corey Feldman Almost Starred in Gilbert Grape Instead of Leonardo DiCaprio

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Few actors are as cherished as Leonardo DiCaprio, whose captivating performances in the ’90s ignited a frenzy known as “Leo-mania” and made him a household name through iconic roles in films like Romeo + Juliet and Titanic. Winning an Oscar is just one testament to his talent, which he’s demonstrated time and again in hits such as Catch Me If You Can, The Departed, and The Revenant. However, it was his breakout role in the 1993 drama What’s Eating Gilbert Grape that truly showcased his immense potential.

As a passionate film fan, I recently discovered some fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the iconic ’90s drama that skyrocketed Leonardo DiCaprio to stardom – a tale that might have been mine if things had gone differently. In an engaging chat on Billy Corgan’s podcast “Magnificent Others,” ’80s heartthrob Corey Feldman shared his intriguing account of almost playing the lead role in this film, eventually filled by DiCaprio. He claimed that it was none other than the charismatic Johnny Depp who orchestrated his dismissal and paved the way for DiCaprio to step into the limelight. This revelation invites us to explore the complexities of the film’s impact on both actors’ careers, shedding light on how DiCaprio’s meteoric rise might have inadvertently hindered Feldman’s ascent.

DiCaprio’s Oscar-Nominated Breakthrough Role

Today, Leonardo DiCaprio is widely recognized as one of the top actors on the silver screen. However, it’s challenging to recall a period when he wasn’t a major player in Hollywood. In fact, back in 1993, a young Leonardo was still seeking his big break in the entertainment world. That chance arrived with the release of the poignant drama “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” which told the story of the title character’s longing for a more rewarding life beyond his small Iowa hometown, as he cared for his autistic brother Arnie and his mother. The film was an adaptation of Peter Hedges’ novel.

Showcasing an impressive ensemble with Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, and Mary Steenburgen, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” showcased Leonardo DiCaprio in a standout role as the sincere Arnie. To create a genuine portrayal, he dedicated significant time observing autistic children and mentally ill teenagers, focusing on their nuances to delicately develop the intricate character. His diligence resulted in remarkable success, earning him nominations for both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for his powerful performance.

Feldman Cries Foul Against Lead Star Johnny Depp

On Billy Corgan’s podcast “Magnificent Others,” Feldman asserted that Johnny Depp played a part in him losing the role in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” where he had been cast as Arnie. Feldman told Corgan, “I was initially given the part that eventually went to Leonardo DiCaprio. I didn’t get to see the movie because I’m still resentful. There’s a hint of bitterness there. But yes, I was originally intended for that role.” In 1993, Feldman, who had achieved significant success in films such as “The Goonies” and “Stand By Me,” believes Depp played a role in the setback to his acting career.

He came after me for the role, and allegedly told the producers he didn’t like me. He stated that I was a drug addict and wouldn’t work with addicts…but at the time, I had just got clean. As you can imagine, this created some tension. And if I hadn’t been replaced for that part, who knows how things might have turned out later on.

In the very same interview, Feldman claimed that DiCaprio also surpassed him for the main role of Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster sensation Titanic. He mentioned that he was seriously considered for the part and that “there was essentially a double blow with Leo.” The film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape served as a stepping stone for DiCaprio, showcasing his captivating acting skills, and paved the way for an extraordinary cinema journey during the late ’90s. In just a few brief years, he rose to international fame by starring in Romeo + Juliet and Titanic, thus igniting the worldwide phenomenon known as “Leo-mania.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that the paths of Feldman and DiCaprio have taken starkly different turns. While the former child star from “Stand by Me” found himself mostly appearing in direct-to-video films and horror comedies like “Voodoo,” “Lost Boys: The Tribe,” and “The Zombie King,” and even dabbling in reality TV with friend Corey Haim on “The Two Coreys,” DiCaprio’s stardom just kept shining brighter. Now, it seems Feldman might be aiming for a career comeback as news of a sequel to “The Goonies” broke in February 2025. Many original cast members are excited about the opportunity to revisit their beloved characters once more.

Rent/Buy What’s Eating Gilbert Grape on Prime Video

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2025-06-01 20:05