Venerable writer and director, Quentin Tarantino, revealed that he once rejected Johnny Depp as a casting choice for Pulp Fiction. Starting in 1992, Tarantino began his career as one of Hollywood’s most talented directors with the release of his heist-gone-wrong thriller, Reservoir Dogs. His 1994 follow-up film, Pulp Fiction, cemented his place as one of the industry’s top directors, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or and the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay with writing partner Roger Avary.
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While on comedian Tom Segura’s podcast, 2 Bears, 1 Cave, Tarantino revealed he previously rejected Johnny Depp as a casting choice for his crime-thriller, Pulp Fiction. The director explained that during the casting process for the movie, he created a list of actors he preferred to fill the main roles. For Pumpkin/Ringo, Tarantino placed Tim Roth as his top choice, followed by Christian Slater, followed by Johnny Depp. However, film producer Mike Medavoy balked at Roth as Tarantino’s pick and instead wanted Depp as Pumpkin. In response, Tarantino asked, “Do you think Johnny Depp playing the role of Pumpkin in this movie, which is the opening scene and the closing scene, that’s it, do you think that will add that much to the box office?” Tarantino rejected Depp and went with Roth who delivered an iconic performance.
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Would Johnny Depp’s Casting Have Changed Pulp Fiction At All?
Prior to Pulp Fiction’s release, Depp’s career was still relatively young. However, the actor had already established himself as one of the most desirable leading men in Hollywood following strong performances in Edward Scissorhands, Benny & Joon, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, a drama that earned Depp a nomination at the 66th Academy Awards. Depp would have assuredly brought an intensity to Pumpkin, but due to the role’s limited screen-time in Pulp Fiction, the actor’s potential impact on the overall narrative would likely have been negligible.
Pulp Fiction started with Pumpkin and Honey Bunny/Yolanda (Amanda Plummer) seated at a booth in a diner, discussing the tactics of certain robberies before they whip out their guns and hold up the restaurant. The film then cuts to the movie’s central storylines, primarily featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Jules and John Travolta as Vincent, before all parties collide back at the restaurant. Through Depp’s vast filmography, it is likely that he would have delivered a certain dramatic flair. With Roth already providing a nuanced performance of the cool thief brought to his knees, Depp would probably not have made much of a difference.
Roth’s role as Pumpkin, along with Plummer’s Honey Bunny, joins the many stand-out performances of the renowned film. Jackson and Uma Thurman received Oscar nominations for their supporting roles along with John Travolta who regards Pulp Fiction as his comeback film. Although Tarantino rejected Depp as the first choice for Pumpkin, Pulp Fiction still went on to arguably become the director’s magnum opus.
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Source: 2 Bears, 1 Cave