Corey Feldman Says He Almost Played Samwise in Lord of the Rings
The Audition Story
During a recent chat on Billy Corgan's "The Magnificent Others" podcast, Corey Feldman dropped a bombshell that many fans had never heard. The former child‑star admitted he once sat across the table from Peter Jackson’s casting directors and was "pretty close" to getting the role of Samwise Gamgee. At the time, Feldman was riding the wave of 80s classics like The Goonies and The Lost Boys, but nothing in his career hinted at a future Middle‑Earth adventure.
Feldman says the audition went well enough that the team considered him seriously. He even joked that he was "up for Sean's role," a nod to his Goonies co‑star Sean Astin, who eventually took the part. The actor explained that the decision boiled down to practical concerns, most notably the physical transformation required for Samwise. "I couldn't have gained the weight, so I’ll give him that," he said, acknowledging Astin’s ability to bulk up for the role.
What Might Have Been
The Samwise story was just one chapter in a broader conversation about missed chances. Feldman recalled being originally cast in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"—a role that later went to Leonardo DiCaprio after Johnny Depp allegedly intervened. He also mentioned being on James Cameron’s radar for "Titanic," though he admitted he wasn’t "that close" to securing a part there.
These anecdotes paint a vivid picture of Hollywood’s cut‑throat casting environment. A single factor—like weight, timing, or a producer’s whim—can tip the scales. If Feldman had landed Samwise, the dynamics on set would have shifted dramatically. Imagine a Goonies reunion on set, with Feldman and Astin swapping stories between takes of the Fellowship’s journey.
Sean Astin’s Samwise became a cultural touchstone, beloved for his loyalty, humor, and quiet courage. Critics praised his performance, and fans still quote his heartfelt lines decades later. While Feldman's version would have been interesting, it’s hard to picture anyone else filling those shoes with the same gravitas.
Feldman’s candor also highlights how an actor’s career can pivot on these hidden moments. After the 80s boom, his path veered into music, reality TV, and indie projects. A high‑profile role like Samwise might have kept him entrenched in mainstream cinema, altering the trajectory of his later work.
Regardless of the what‑ifs, Feldman’s story reminds us that the movies we love are often the result of countless near‑misses. The next time you watch Samwise’s brave stand on the cliffs of Minas Tirith, you might catch a glimpse of an alternate universe where a different face whispered those iconic words.
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