‘NOT MY CUP OF TEA’

Gary Oldman Shares Blunt Reason He Passed on Iconic Role

The actor recounted the time he was in the running to play Edward Scissorhands.

Darkest Hour star Gary Oldman has revealed why he passed on the legendary role of Edward Scissorhands. “They sent the script over, and I basically said, ‘I don’t get it.’” Oldman told The Hollywood Reporter. The iconic actor, who has played a variety of roles, admitted that when he read the “quirky, strange little script” for the Tim Burton film, he passed on the opportunity without ever meeting Burton. “It just didn’t register with me. I said to the agent, ‘I just don’t understand this. It’s not my cup of tea.’” Edward Scissorhands went on to become a box office success; the film made more than $86 million with a $20 million budget. The titular role went to Johnny Depp, who was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance. Oldman said he understood the film as soon as he watched it. “With that opening shot—all those brightly colored houses, and then the camera pans up to the castle-like thing on the hill—within two minutes I went, “I get it!”" The Oscar-winning actor also spoke candidly about being typecast early in his career as a villain, his battle with addiction, and the most challenging role he’s had during his decades-long tenure.