In a surprising turn in ’90s Hollywood, Johnny Depp almost starred in Face/Off instead of John Travolta, potentially altering one of the decade’s most iconic action films. Depp’s reason for declining was as quirky as his reputation: he believed the movie was about hockey, not high-octane crime drama.
A Casting Decision That Changed the Movie
Johnny Depp, known for his unpredictable career choices, was in serious talks to portray FBI agent Sean Archer—a role eventually given to John Travolta. At the time, Nicolas Cage had already been selected to play Castor Troy, the film’s infamous villain, with Paramount Pictures hoping to pair Depp and Cage for the project. However, Depp bowed out as soon as he learned there would be no hockey elements involved.
Screenwriter Michael Colleary revealed more about the odd situation, explaining Depp’s reaction upon reading the script:
“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 casting surprise set off a ripple effect behind the scenes. The original director, Marco Brambilla, also chose to leave the project in the aftermath of Depp’s departure. This vacancy allowed John Woo to take the director’s chair, introducing his signature visual flair—slow motion sequences, dramatic doves, and choreographed gun battles—that would define Face/Off’s lasting style.
The Dynamic On-Screen Duo That Emerged
With Travolta and Cage on board, Face/Off evolved into a kinetic and over-the-top action spectacle. The plot, centered around an intense identity-swapping conflict, offered both actors ample opportunity to showcase dramatic, boundary-pushing performances. The chemistry and energy between John Travolta and Nicolas Cage contributed significantly to the film’s status as a cult favorite.
Depp’s Pattern of Walking Away from Blockbusters
Johnny Depp’s dismissal of Face/Off isn’t an isolated incident in his career. He’s declined multiple major roles that went on to become significant Hollywood milestones. For instance, Depp famously turned down the chance to play Jack Dawson in Titanic because he didn’t connect with the script.
“I labored through about 15 pages of Titanic and said, ‘This is not for me,’”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
Depp was also under consideration to play Marvel’s Ghost Rider, a part eventually snagged by Nicolas Cage. Producer Avi Arad had wanted Depp for the role, but the actor once again decided against joining the project before any formal agreement was made.
An Unconventional Path Through Hollywood
While these missed opportunities might seem like career missteps, they reflect Depp’s commitment to unique and unconventional roles. Audiences have come to know him best as Captain Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands—characters who stand apart from conventional Hollywood fare. His selective and sometimes eccentric decision-making process has become a defining feature of his filmography.
The Impact of a Misread Title
Johnny Depp almost starred in Face/Off instead of John Travolta, but his exit ultimately led to one of John Woo’s most memorable Hollywood films, pairing Travolta and Cage in a performance that’s still celebrated today. Depp continues to build his career on unexpected choices, proving that sometimes an actor’s instincts—no matter how unconventional—can shape film history in unexpected ways.
