Corey Feldman Claims Johnny Depp Forced Him Out of 'Gilbert Grape' Role

Corey Feldman, the actor known for iconic roles in 'The Goonies' and 'Stand By Me,' has revealed a bitter Hollywood memory involving Johnny Depp. Feldman claims he was originally cast for the role of Arnie in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' a role that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. And the reason Feldman lost the part? According to him, Depp allegedly whispered into the producers' ears that Feldman was a junkie, costing him the opportunity.

In a candid conversation on Billy Corgan's 'Magnificent Others' podcast, Feldman shared, "I was actually cast to play Leonardo DiCaprio's role. I never saw the film because I'm still bitter. Bitter leaf in that one." When asked by Corgan if he was pushed out, Feldman pointed the finger squarely at Depp, claiming that after Depp was cast, he influenced the producers against Feldman.

"Apparently, he whispered into the producer's ear that he wasn't fond of me. He said that I was a junkie and that he didn't work with junkies," Feldman stated, adding that he had turned his life around and was sober at the time.

Feldman further shared that the situation left a painful mark on him. "As you can imagine, there was a bit of a thorn in the side on that one. And, had I not been pushed out and done that role, who knows what would have happened from that point forward." He also revealed that he was considered for 'Titanic,' another role that famously went to DiCaprio, dubbing it a "double banger" with Leo.

DiCaprio's performance in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a fact Feldman noted with a touch of resignation. "There was bitter tea there," he said, but added, "You don't hang on those, you get past 'em."

Feldman’s career, which began at age 3 with a McDonald's commercial, has seen highs and lows. While he landed major roles in hit films, he also struggled with addiction and later accused several men in Hollywood of sexually abusing him and fellow actor Corey Haim. Feldman eventually turned his focus to music, releasing three studio albums.

Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for both Depp and Feldman regarding the allegations, but no response has been reported yet.