Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
After desperately clinging to his dream project,The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, when the film got postponed by decades, Terry Gilliam shifted his focus toThe Brothers Grimm. Making a winning combination from the start, Gilliam used his specialization in the bleak and strange to turn Heath Ledger and Matt Damon’s 2005 movie into the most beloved, dark fairy tales of all time.
AlthoughThe Brothers Grimmfeatured a stellar cast including Jonathan Pryce, Monica Bellucci, Lena Headey, and more, it was reported that Terry Gilliam initially wanted Johnny Depp instead of Matt Damon. Considering Gilliam’s preference towards Depp, even Damon was baffled when he was hired for the $105M movie, in place of thePiratesstar.
Matt Damon was Terry Gilliam’s Last Choice forThe Brothers Grimm
Having mainstream successes likeThe Fisher KingandTwelve Monkeysunder his belt,Terry Gilliamwas once fixated on his dream projectThe Man Who Killed Don Quixoteduring the early 2000s. Set to star Johnny Depp in the potential movie, Gilliam’s project unfortunately got delayed by decades. Therefore, shifting his focus from the movie, Gilliam came up withThe Brothers Grimm.
“I missed the boat”: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck May be Why Ben Stiller Doesn’t Have an Oscar Yet
Narrating the tale of the two trickster brothers Jake and Will Grimm, who cheat people with stories of enchanted creatures and exorcisms, Terry Gilliam’s movie eventually puts the duo to the test when they encounter a real magical curse. 2005’sThe Brothers GrimmstarredHeath LedgerandMatt Damon in titular roles, alongside other A-listers like Jonathan Pryce, Lena Headey, and more.
However, when the movie was in production, it was reported that Matt Damon wasn’t Terry Gilliam’s initial choice. In fact, Damon was the filmmaker’s last choice for the role of Will Grimm. Apparently, according toIGN, the role was initially set for Johnny Depp. Considering theSweeney Toddactor as his best preference, Gilliam wished for Depp to appear as Will in the 2005 movie.
Matt Damon Replaced Johnny Depp in the $105M Movie
Unfortunately, according to reports, back when the movie was in production,Johnny Deppwas not considered enough of a box office draw. It was noted that, after Terry Gilliam spoke with producer Bob Weinstein, to star Depp in the movie, the filmmaker was turned down as Weinstein claimed that Depp was not commercial enough to turn the movie into a success.
“He’s always terrible”: Matt Damon Gives His Verdict on Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscar Hosting That Most Fans Will Agree With
Eventually, althoughPirates of the Caribbeanwas released during the production ofThe Brothers Grimmin 2003, and changed Depp’s status overnight, it was already too late asMatt Damonwas already signed for the role. Well, even Damon was shocked to get offered a role in Gilliam’s movie, replacing Johnny Depp. Since the Pirates star was the filmmaker’s top preference, Damon was curious to know how he replaced Depp.
“The reality was, for me, I was the last one. Heath was already in and Terry was already doing it. By the time it came to me, I just couldn’t believe it. This role in a Terry Gilliam movie is available? How does that even happen?… we went and met in Chuck’s [Roven] guest house and it was the three of us. The first thing I said to Terry was, ‘Why isn’t Johnny Depp doing this movie?’ And, you know, Chuck instantly went, ‘No, no, no! We want you!’ But I was just like looking at Terry.” Damon shared.
Realizing instantly that there was something fishy, Matt Damon charged Terry Gilliam to speak the truth about his casting. Eventually, the director revealed how the studio wouldn’t let him do the movie with Johnny Depp, and that’s when Damon agreed to do the role. Through the interview withIGN, theOppenheimerstar noted how the notorious Weinstein brothers must have realized their mistake afterPirates of the Caribbeancatapulted Depp’s fame.
“Halfway through production, Pirates of the Caribbean came out, so I’m sure Bob Weinstein was like, ‘F**k! We could have had Depp!’ They’re still kicking themselves.”
But ultimately, the role of Will Grimm went to Matt Damon, alongside late actor Heath Ledger’s Jake Grimm, who turnedThe Brothers Grimminto a $105M success, viaThe Numbers. Although the movie failed to create its position at the box office, the 2005 movie eventually turned into a gothic fantasy staple of Hollywood.
The Brothers Grimmis available on Prime Video.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3216
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
More from Krittika Mukherjee
Michael C. Hall’s Breakout Came at Adam Scott’s Lowest Career Moment
The Map That Leads to You: Madelyn Cline Shares Controversial Dating Advice That’s Genius
Who Is Joe Caroff? James Bond Legacy Creator Dead at 103
Recommended
Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Circling Same Role In Cameron Crowe’s Next Big Bet: Reports
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Nice’s Return Just Gave ‘To Be Hero X’ Its Highest-Rated Episode of the Season
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
All LinkedIn Games Solutions for Today (July 12, 2025)
Heath LedgerJohnny DeppMatt DamonTerry Gilliam
