‘Bitter’ Corey Feldman claims Johnny Depp cost him ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’ role by telling producers he was a ‘junkie’

nypost.com:

“The Magnificent Others” podcast this week and claimed he was originally set to star alongside Johnny Depp in 1993’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” — but Depp, 61, allegedly sabotaged his opportunity.“I was actually cast to play Leonardo DiCaprio’s role,” Feldman shared. “I never saw the film because I’m still bitter.

Bitter leaf in that one. But yes, I was originally cast for that role.”“Did they push you out?” Corgan, 58, asked.“Johnny Depp,” Feldman said. “He was cast after I was, and apparently whispered into the producers’ ear that he wasn’t fond of me.”Feldman claimed of Depp, “He said that I was a junkie and that he didn’t work with junkies.

And this is the first time I’ve ever telling this story, so I’m sure I’m gonna get hung by this one.”As a young actor, Feldman dealt with alcohol and drug abuse.

He previously said his addiction started from being sexually abused in Hollywood. Feldman spent 10 months in rehab for his heroin addiction.In “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” the coming-of-age drama directed by Lasse Hallström, Depp plays a grocery store clerk who cares for his family, including his disabled younger brother Arnie (DiCaprio).