Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 fantasy gothic romance film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as the title character, an artificial humanoid with scissor blades for hands.
The film tells the story of Edward’s integration into a suburban community and his love for Kim, a teenage girl played by Winona Ryder. But how old was Johnny Depp when he portrayed this iconic role?
Casting Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp was 27 years old when he filmed Edward Scissorhands, which was released on December 7, 1990. He was born on June 9, 1963, in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Before Edward Scissorhands, Depp had already established himself as a promising actor with roles in films such as A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Platoon (1986), and Cry-Baby (1990). He also gained popularity as a teen idol for his portrayal of Officer Tom Hanson in the TV series 21 Jump Street (1987-1990).
However, Depp wanted to break away from his image as a heartthrob and pursue more challenging and diverse roles. He was drawn to the script of Edward Scissorhands, which he found to be a “beautiful story” that resonated with his own feelings of isolation and loneliness. He also admired Tim Burton’s vision and style and felt a connection with the director.
Depp was not the only actor considered for the role of Edward. Other names that were mentioned include Tom Cruise, Gary Oldman, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks, and Jim Carrey. However, Burton ultimately chose Depp for his ability to convey emotion and vulnerability without words.
Who Else Starred in Edward Scissorhands?
Winona Ryder played Kim, the love interest of Edward and the daughter of Peg, the Avon saleswoman who takes Edward into her home. Ryder was 19 years old when she filmed Edward Scissorhands, which was released on December 14, 1990. She was born on October 29, 1971, in Winona, Minnesota.
Ryder was already a rising star in Hollywood with films such as Beetlejuice (1988), Heathers (1989), and Mermaids (1990). She was also dating Johnny Depp at the time of filming Edward Scissorhands, and they were engaged for three years before breaking up in 1993.
Ryder had a strong chemistry with Depp on screen, and their romance added to the appeal of the film. She also had a good relationship with Burton, who had directed her in Beetlejuice and would later direct her again in Frankenweenie (2012).
Other actors who starred in Edward Scissorhands include Dianne Wiest as Peg, Anthony Michael Hall as Jim, Kathy Baker as Joyce, Alan Arkin as Bill, and Vincent Price as The Inventor. Price’s role was his last major film appearance before his death in 1993.
Other Movies Starring Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp has continued to have a prolific and diverse career in film since Edward Scissorhands. He has collaborated with Tim Burton on several other films, such as Ed Wood (1994), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Dark Shadows (2012).
He has also starred in films by other acclaimed directors, such as Terry Gilliam’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Roman Polanski’s The Ninth Gate (1999), Gore Verbinski’s Pirates of the Caribbean series (2003-2017), Michael Mann’s Public Enemies (2009), Rob Marshall’s Into the Woods (2014), and David Yates’ Fantastic Beasts series (2016-2021).
Depp has been nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Finding Neverland (2004), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). He has also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).Depp is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation, as well as one of the most popular and influential movie stars in the world.
