Corey Feldman claims Johnny Depp’s ‘junkie’ accusation got him fired from ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’

Johnny Depp is in Corey Feldman’s black book.

The “Goonies” star claimed in a new interview that the Oscar nominee got him fired from “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”

An admittedly “bitter” Feldman shared in Wednesday’s “Magnificent Others” podcast episode that he “was originally cast” for the role of Arnie Grape, for which Leonardo DiCaprio received his first Academy Award nomination.

Corey Feldman, seen here at the Grammy Awards in 2025, has starred in a number of hit films. Variety via Getty Images

Corey Feldman claims he was originally set to star in the film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan/Youtube

“Johnny Depp … was cast after I was and apparently whispered into the producers’ ear that he wasn’t fond of me,” he said.

The “Lost Boys” star, 53, alleged that Depp, 61, said he “was a junkie” — and that the Hollywood Vampires member “didn’t work with junkies.”

Feldman, who has chosen to “never” see the 1993 movie since being axed, clarified that he was clean at the time.

The cast of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” included Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp attend a screening of the film in 1993. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“I was sober. I had just gotten sober,” he insisted. “I had just gotten out of rehab. I had turned my life around.

“In fact, [I] was trying to help River [Phoenix] at the time,” Feldman continued, referencing his late “Stand by Me” co-star, who overdosed in 1993 outside Depp’s Viper Room nightclub.

The former 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 star called the lost role a “bit of a thorn in the side.”

Johnny Depp, seen here in 2025, was the headlining star of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” Getty Images

Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed Arnie in the film. Johnny Depp portrayed Gilbert in the 1993 film. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

He explained, “Had I not been pushed out and done that role, who knows what would have happened from that point forward. … [But] you don’t hang on those, you get past them.”

Feldman noted, “This is the first time I’ve ever [told] this story, so I’m sure I’m gonna get hung by this one.”

He predicted the admission would “piss off some people” — but “sometimes you’ve got to do it.”

Corey Feldman, seen here in March 2025, starred in a number of hit films including “Stand by Me” and “The Goonies.” Getty Images

From left: Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Kate Schellhardt and Johnny Depp star in a scene from “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Depp’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

Elsewhere in the episode, the “Gremlins” star said he almost played Danny Torrance in “The Shining” but was “a little bit too small and a little bit too young.”

He was also “in the contention” for a part in “Titanic” — which also went to DiCaprio, 50 — and the “Lord of the Rings” franchise.

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