Corey Feldman recently clarified his earlier statements about Johnny Depp’s alleged role in his removal from the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. In March 2025, Feldman claimed on Billy Corgan’s Magnificent Others podcast that he was originally cast as Arnie, the role that earned Leonardo DiCaprio an Oscar nomination, but was pushed out after Depp, cast later as Gilbert, reportedly told producers Feldman was a “junkie” and that he didn’t work with junkies. Feldman, who said he was sober after rehab at the time, expressed bitterness, noting he never watched the film due to the lingering resentment.
On May 30, 2025, Feldman spoke to TMZ at LAX, stating his comments were “blown out of proportion.” He clarified that he didn’t mean to imply Depp directly got him fired, but rather that his representatives informed him the role was withdrawn because of Depp’s alleged remarks. Feldman emphasized the podcast was recorded a year earlier and suggested the public’s reaction was overhyped. He also expressed openness to working with Depp in the future, indicating he had moved past the incident.
Feldman later elaborated on his website, noting he didn’t hear the “junkie” comment directly from Depp and stressed that his story wasn’t meant as a slight against DiCaprio, whom he praised as a talented actor. He lamented the backlash, saying he was just answering honestly and regretted not saying “no comment.”
*Note: This response addresses Corey Feldman’s comments about Johnny Depp regarding *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*, as per your query. The earlier context about Fabio Trevisan and *Unfit Parent* is unrelated and not included.*
