Not Pirates of the Caribbean, Robin Williams Lost Iconic Role to Johnny Depp in $475M Movie That Almost Cast Dwayne Johnson in Lead Role

Robin Williams was one of the most legendary actors and comedians in Hollywood. Despite his untimely death, his legacy is one that continues to go on. As a beloved actor, there was always someone who could sing his praises. Whether it is his fans or celebrities who got to know him along the way, there is no shortage of praise for him.

Robin Williams

Much like any other actor, Williams also got some roles that came and went. There were some he wanted, and others that he rejected. One such role went to none other than Johnny Depp ultimately. With such massive talent, any role that made its way to the actor would have been a masterpiece. Ironically enough, it was not a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the franchise that Johnny Depp has become almost synonymous with.

Robin Williams Almost Became Willy Wonka

Johnny Depp has some of the most iconic roles in Hollywood. From Jack Sparrow to Gellert Grindelwald, there are various roles that he has done that can perhaps never be replaced. One role in particular almost became Robin Williams‘. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was one movie that shows Johnny Depp in perhaps the most fun way possible. Willy Wonka has been embraced by the actor as Depp has been embraced by his character. However, the role almost went to Williams instead.

Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka (Credit: WB)

Williams was one of Tim Burton’s top choices to hire as Willy Wonka and he was rather eager to do the same as well. Burton was not someone who was hesitant to explore just who would be fitting to play the iconic character and to rule out an iconic comedic genius like the Mrs. Doubtfire actor wouldn’t have been logical. However, Williams was not the only one considered for the role.

Dwayne Johnson’s Attempt to Become Willy Wonka

Dwayne Johnson once revealed that for 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he was almost considered for the same role Robin Williams and Johnny Depp also had their eyes on. He was in fact the second choice for the role.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

In an Instagram post dated 27 July 2020, The Rock shared:

“Back in the early 2000’s, iconic director Tim Burton had considered me to play Willy Wonka is his remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I remember thinking, ‘holy sh*t I’m in.’

But that was many years ago when I was just starting out in Hollywood with no foundation of global box office strength or any real acting experience to even pull it off. The role, of course went to Johnny Depp, who at that time was the biggest star in the world. The rest was history.”

Much like Williams, he too was left out of the movie. However, seeing just how amazing of a performance Depp provided the audience with, no one was complaining. Although he was sad to have never gotten the part, Johnson was overjoyed to be considered for the role since he was only a beginner in the industry at that time.

Timothée Chalamet will soon be taking over the role as the first trailer for Wonka has been released as well.