“Blue Bombed: Josh Gad Reveals the Surprising Reason He Wasn’t Cast in ‘Avatar’ – A Smurfin’ Good Story Behind the Scenes” Get ready to dive into the world of Pandora, where the Na’vi people roam free and the magic of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ comes alive. But for one talented actor, a chance to join this epic journey was snuffed out before it even began. Josh Gad, known for his lovable roles in ‘Frozen’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ has just spilled the beans on why he wasn’t cast as a Na’vi in the 2009 blockbuster. In a hilarious revelation, the actor jokingly blames his, ahem, unique appearance – specifically, his height and physique – for being deemed “too Smurf-like” for the role. In this exclusive Entertainment Weekly News scoop, we’ll take a peek behind the curtain and find out what really happened when Josh Gad tried out for ‘Avatar
Josh Gad’s Almost-Role in Avatar: A Look Back
In a shocking revelation, Josh Gad, the beloved actor behind Olaf in Disney’s Frozen, has revealed that he nearly landed a part in James Cameron’s sci-fi epic, Avatar. According to his memoir, In Gad We Trust, Gad auditioned for the role of Jake Sully’s best friend and translator to the Na’vi, but ultimately lost out due to his appearance in digital form.
Gad’s desire to break free from his role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Broadway led him to audition for other TV and film roles. “One of the first things I went out for was a new James Cameron movie called Avatar,” he explained. Gad had just replaced Dan Fogler in the Broadway show and was eager to find a new challenge. He had already made appearances in TV shows like Back To You and was looking to make a breakthrough in Hollywood.
Gad’s experience with the final callback at James Cameron’s Lightstorm production offices was a thrilling one. “I put myself on tape and shortly thereafter got a call that Cameron wanted to fly me to Los Angeles for a final callback,” he said. However, his excitement was short-lived, as he soon discovered that he didn’t quite fit the physical archetype Cameron was looking for.
The Audition Process
Gad’s Initial Interest in Avatar
Gad’s initial interest in Avatar was sparked by his desire to break free from his role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He had been playing the role of William Barfée since replacing Dan Fogler and was eager to find a new challenge. When he heard about the opportunity to audition for Avatar, he jumped at the chance.
Gad’s audition process for Avatar was a lengthy one. He had to put himself on tape and then fly to Los Angeles for a final callback at James Cameron’s Lightstorm production offices. Despite his initial excitement, Gad soon discovered that he didn’t quite fit the physical archetype Cameron was looking for.
Gad’s description of being turned into a digital Avatar is one of the most surprising parts of his story. According to him, he looked like a “tall, overweight Smurf” when he was transformed into a digital Na’vi. This revelation has sparked speculation about whether Gad’s role was rewritten for another actor or simply written out of the script.
The Role That Got Away
The Character
The role that Gad was auditioning for was that of Jake Sully’s best friend and translator to the Na’vi. This character would have played a crucial role in the film, serving as a bridge between the human and Na’vi worlds. Gad’s portrayal of this character would have been a key aspect of the film’s storyline.
Gad’s character would have been similar to Norm Spellman, played by Joel David Moore, who befriends Jake on Pandora and is conversant in both English and Na’vi. Moore’s character is a close confidant to Jake and plays a key role in the film’s storyline.
The Alternative
So, what happened to Gad’s role? Did it get rewritten for another actor, or was it simply written out of the script? The answer remains unclear, but one thing is certain – Gad’s loss was a gain for Joel David Moore, who went on to play a pivotal role in the film.
Moore’s portrayal of Norm Spellman was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and his character became a fan favorite. In contrast, Gad’s loss of the role has sparked speculation about what could have been.
Gad’s Career After Avatar
The Big Break
Gad’s subsequent roles in The Daily Show and Love & Other Drugs marked a turning point in his career. His appearance on The Daily Show brought him to a wider audience, and his role in Love & Other Drugs showcased his range as an actor.
Gad’s star-making turn in the Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon, transformed him into a star. His performance in the show was widely praised, and he went on to win numerous awards for his portrayal of Elder Price.
Gad’s thoughts on how his experience with Avatar has shaped his perspective on his career are insightful. He believes that his loss of the role was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him to pursue other opportunities and grow as an actor.
Lessons Learned
The Importance of Self-Care
Gad’s decision to prioritize his mental health and take a break from his role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was a crucial step in his career. By taking a break, he was able to recharge and come back stronger, which ultimately led to his success in Avatar.
Gad’s experience with Avatar has taught him the importance of self-care and prioritizing his mental health. He believes that taking care of oneself is essential for success, both in and out of the entertainment industry.
The Value of Resilience
Gad’s ability to bounce back from disappointment and continue pursuing his goals is a testament to his resilience. His loss of the Avatar role could have been a setback, but instead, it became a catalyst for his success in other areas.
Gad’s story serves as a reminder that setbacks are a normal part of life and career. It’s how we respond to those setbacks that defines us. By being resilient and persistent, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Conclusion
In a recent interview, Josh Gad opened up about his experience being considered for a role in James Cameron’s groundbreaking film, “Avatar”. According to Gad, he was told by Cameron himself that he wasn’t cast as a Na’vi due to his physical appearance, likening him to a “tall overweight Smurf”. This candid confession has sparked a conversation about the importance of representation in Hollywood and the often-subjective nature of casting decisions.
The significance of this story lies in its ability to shed light on the industry’s tendency to prioritize physical appearance over talent. Gad’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most talented individuals can be overlooked due to superficial factors. Furthermore, it highlights the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in casting, allowing for a wider range of voices and perspectives to be heard.