Thread by @forallbirdsongs

🪡 🍿 #JohnnyDepp on how not to become a « product » & « teen heartthrob » in Hollywood — featuring #TomHanson in #21JumpStreet

#JohnnyDepp had always been Patrick Hasburgh's first choice to play Tom Hanson—but Depp initially declined the part. Hanson was then cast with Jeff Yagher. However, FOX disapproved of his performance & halted the show for weeks.

#JoshBrolin was sought after by FOX, but Hasburgh preferred to offer Depp the part once more. Depp agreed to play the part this time, and Yagher's portions were reshot.

While #HollyRobinsonPeete sang the main vocals for the opening theme/intro— #JohnnyDepp & #PeterDeLuise provided the —« JUMP » for the background vocals.

Many Hollywood actors have appeared on the show before they were famous. Among these guest appearances were Josh Brolin, Shannon Doherty & Brad Pitt as visible in this scene.

By the 2nd season, #JohnnyDepp felt like a « product » & that the production company put him in a labeled box that just didn’t feel right.

As #JohnnyDepp's frustration with the show grew, he started making absurd
recommendations to the creators for his role. One of these ideas was that Tom Hanson suddenly had a speach impediment. Essentially his goal was to get fired.

#JohnnyDepp initially committed to a six-year contract despite not wanting to participate in a television series. Due to production missing an important deadline by season 4— he was able to obtain a release from his contract
with the aid of his attorneys.

With the movie adaptation in 2012– #JohnnyDepp was approached for a cameo— he only agreed with one condition— that #PeterDeLuise could be part of it as well. Unbeknownst to him, they had that in mind & already hired his co-star by that time.