Corey Feldman claims Johnny Depp removed him from “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”

Corey Feldman admits to feeling “bitter” about a missed opportunity in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”.
Feldman was originally set to play Arnie, the disabled younger brother of Johnny Depp’s character.
He initially landed the role later played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Corey Feldman recently admitted that he still feels “bitter” about one missed opportunity. The “Suicide for Beginners” actor revealed that Johnny Depp played a major role in his removal from the 1993 classic “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”.

During his appearance on the podcast, Feldman revealed that he was originally set to play Arnie, the disabled younger brother of Johnny Depp’s character, Gilbert Grape.

Speaking with host Billy Corgan, Feldman stated that he initially landed the role later played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He admitted that he has never watched the film because he still feels “bitter” about the situation, emphasizing, “I was originally cast for that role.”

When Billy Corgan asked if someone had pushed him out of the film, Feldman pointed to Johnny Depp. He claimed that the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star joined the cast after him and told the producers he “wasn’t fond” of him. Feldman further alleged that Depp labeled him a junkie and refused to work with him.

The “Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys” actor revealed that this was the first time he had spoken about the topic.

Billy Corgan asked Corey Feldman if he was using drugs during the film’s production. The “Stand by Me” actor recalled that he had just gotten sober and had recently completed rehab.

Ultimately, Leonardo DiCaprio earned his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Arnie in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”.