A former Nickelodeon star has recently shared that he was informed that he was a potential candidate for the role of Edward Cullen in the 2008 film "Twilight," a role that eventually went to Robert Pattinson.
Josh Peck has shared that he was in the running to portray the romantic vampire Edward Cullen in the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. Ultimately, this iconic role was given to Robert Pattinson. Prior to his Twilight connection, Peck gained prominence through his Nickelodeon days, featuring on "The Amanda Show" and co-starring with Drake Bell in the sitcom "Drake and Josh." By the time Twilight hit theaters in 2008, Peck had already built a resume that included roles in "ER," "Mean Creek," and "Ice Age: The Meltdown."
As reported by Variety, Josh Peck made an unexpected revelation during an episode of his podcast, "Good Guys," where Taylor Lautner was the guest. Peck confided in Lautner, who portrayed Jacob Black in Twilight, that he came close to joining the Twilight cast. Following his audition for the role of Edward, Peck was informed that "it's down to you and three guys," a situation he humorously deemed "impossible," playfully adding, "I hadn't even had a tummy tuck yet."
Read his full quote below:
I remember it’s like 2006? [2007]? They’re like, "Audition for this movie, Twilight, it’s based on a book and it’s going to be great." So I send in my tape, for Edward. A month later, I’m with my manager and he goes, "It’s down to you and three guys, you’re close.” I’m like, "Really?" I hadn’t even had a tummy tuck yet. I’m like, "There’s no way. He’s got to be so shirtless, it’s not going to happen." Spoiler alert—didn’t get it… But I remember then seeing R-Patz playing this part I’m like, "In what f---ing world were they like, okay here’s what we’re thinking: Chris Hemsworth or Stanley Tucci?" Like what the f--k? Impossible! Impossible! So we almost worked together.
Josh Peck's Career Could Have Taken a Completely Different Path
It's safe to say that if Josh Peck had secured the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight, his career would have taken a vastly different trajectory. A similar transformation occurred for Robert Pattinson, who, prior to his portrayal of Edward, was best known for his role as Cedric Diggory in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." While it initially took some time for Pattinson to break free from the typecasting associated with Edward, he eventually found his niche in the industry, successfully balancing between artistic and blockbuster projects. This included films like "The Lighthouse" and taking on the titular role in "The Batman."
Had Josh Peck secured the role of Edward, his ascent to leading man status would likely have happened much earlier. Following the conclusion of "Drake and Josh," he took on various sidekick roles as he made the transition into adulthood. This period included supporting characters in projects like the horror film "ATM" and the 2012 remake of "Red Dawn."
It wasn't until more recently that he returned to prominent leading roles. He became a part of the main cast of John Stamos' sitcom "Grandfathered" in 2015. Afterward, he tackled traditional leading and love interest roles in productions such as Disney+'s "Turner & Hooch" and Hulu's "How I Met Your Father," in addition to his involvement in the extensive Oppenheimer ensemble.
If he had been cast in "Twilight," it would likely have accelerated his opportunities for these kinds of roles in the late 2000s. However, he may not have developed the mature acting approach that he has today.
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