In a surprising twist from the 1990s Hollywood scene, Johnny Depp almost starred in Face/Off but declined, believing the film was about hockey. The now-iconic action thriller, released in 1997 with Nicolas Cage and John Travolta, could have turned out very differently if Depp had taken the lead role intended for him.
How a Misunderstanding Led Depp to Step Away
Screenwriter Michael Colleary revealed the details behind Depp’s departure from the project. According to Colleary, Depp had initially been interested but decided against participating after reading the script’s content. Paramount Pictures had wanted Depp to portray FBI agent Sean Archer, while Nicolas Cage was already confirmed as Castor Troy, the film’s notorious villain. However, Depp misunderstood the movie’s premise based on its title.
“After finally reading the script, however, Depp refused to take part. Having read the title, he thought the film would be about hockey. He was disappointed when he discovered that it was not about hockey. He was out,”
—Michael Colleary, Screenwriter
This misinterpretation led Depp to withdraw from the project, causing a significant change not just in the casting, but in the film’s direction as well.
Behind-the-Scenes Changes Shaped an Action Classic
Depp’s choice to exit Face/Off did not just alter the cast. Director Marco Brambilla, initially attached to the film, also decided to leave after Depp’s withdrawal. This opened the way for director John Woo to take charge, infusing the movie with his unique vision—stylized action, dramatic slow-motion, and his signature use of doves and dual pistols. The result was a high-energy, outlandish thriller that eventually won cult status in the action genre.
Nicolas Cage and John Travolta, ultimately cast as Castor Troy and Sean Archer, delivered unforgettable performances. The theatrical face-swapping storyline was embraced by both, adding to the film’s lasting legacy. Still, it’s intriguing to consider how different the movie might have been had Depp not misunderstood the title as a sports documentary.
Depp’s Pattern of Turning Down Major Roles
This was not the only time Johnny Depp had walked away from blockbuster opportunities. Hollywood is full of missed chances, and Depp is noted for several key turn-downs. He was once considered for the role of Jack Dawson in Titanic, a part that went to Leonardo DiCaprio.
“I labored through about 15 pages of Titanic and said, ‘This is not for me,’”
—Johnny Depp, Actor (as reported by CBR)
Additionally, Depp was a contender for the lead in Marvel’s Ghost Rider. Nicolas Cage ended up in the role of the flaming biker after Depp opted out. Producer Avi Arad had hoped to cast Depp, but the actor left before any agreement could be made, marking yet another project that could have changed the course of his career.
Embracing Unconventional Choices
Despite missing out on several major films, Depp’s career choices have helped define his distinctive persona in Hollywood. He has consistently pursued eccentric and complex characters, from Edward Scissorhands to Captain Jack Sparrow. This approach has allowed him to shape a unique path, often steering clear of what others might see as predictable or safe projects.
Passing on Face/Off, while possibly seen as a misstep in hindsight, ultimately paved the way for the celebrated partnership between Cage and Travolta. Their dynamic on screen is now regarded as one of the reasons for the film’s enduring appeal among fans of the genre.
Hollywood remains full of alternative histories shaped by casting decisions. The story of Johnny Depp almost starring in Face/Off but declined serves as both an example of how small misunderstandings can impact major projects and a testament to Depp’s ongoing legacy as a risk-taking actor who has repeatedly zigged where others have zagged.
