The A-List Actor Tarantino Rejected for ‘Pulp Fiction’—And Why He Didn’t Regret It

When Quentin Tarantino made Pulp Fiction, he didn’t just create a film—he transformed the landscape of cinema, cementing himself as one of Hollywood’s most influential directors. But behind the iconic performances, sharp dialogue, and intricate storytelling, there were moments of conflict between Tarantino and the studio, particularly when it came to casting decisions.

While Tarantino’s debut Reservoir Dogs was a hit in indie circles, Pulp Fiction made him a household name. Tarantino was now working with a bit more leeway, and he took full advantage of it, handpicking his ensemble cast. He reinvigorated John Travolta’s career, turned Samuel L. Jackson into a star, and convinced Bruce Willis to take a supporting role. Uma Thurman, too, was propelled into a whole new stratosphere with a part that earned her an Academy Award nomination.

However, there was one actor Tarantino firmly refused to cast in Pulp Fiction: Johnny Depp. The role in question was that of Pumpkin, one of the two robbers in the film’s opening and closing scenes, played by Tim Roth. Tarantino had written the part specifically for Roth, a close collaborator and friend, and had no intention of deviating from his vision, despite studio pressure.

The clash came when Mike Medavoy, the studio executive, suggested Depp for the role of Pumpkin. Depp was a big star at the time, but Tarantino didn’t see the addition of Depp as necessary for the film’s success. Tarantino, confident in the strength of the script and the performances, wasn’t swayed by the idea that Depp’s star power would make any real difference to the box office.

“Do you think Johnny Depp playing the role of Pumpkin in this movie, which is the opening scene and the closing scene, and that’s it, do you think that will add that much to the box office?” Tarantino asked. Medavoy responded, “It won’t add a dime, but it would make me feel better.”

Tarantino stuck to his guns, convinced that casting decisions should be about the right actor for the role, not about adding commercial appeal. And he was right. Pulp Fiction went on to become a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes and earning Tarantino and Roth lasting acclaim. As it turns out, it wasn’t Depp’s presence that would have made a difference to Pulp Fiction‘s success—it was the unique vision Tarantino brought to life.

The studio’s desire for a star-driven cast in the early ’90s was understandable. Johnny Depp had already made a name for himself in films like Edward Scissorhands and Benny & Joon. But, as Tarantino wisely pointed out, Depp’s inclusion in a small role wouldn’t have moved the needle financially. It wasn’t until a decade later, with Pirates of the Caribbean, that Depp became a true box-office draw.

Tarantino’s refusal to cast Depp in the role of Pumpkin stands as a testament to his belief in his own creative vision and his commitment to his cast. While studios often push for star power to drive ticket sales, Pulp Fiction proved that a great script and the right actors could be the key to success, regardless of star status.

In the end, Tim Roth’s portrayal of Pumpkin, along with the rest of the carefully chosen cast, helped solidify Pulp Fiction as one of the most iconic films of its generation. Tarantino’s decision to stick with his initial casting choice is a perfect example of how trusting the process—and the people you believe in—can lead to unforgettable results.