Summary
- Tusk is a blend of horror and comedy with a bizarre concept and intriguing cast, including an uncredited role by Johnny Depp.
- The film was influenced by Kevin Smith's podcast and the friendship between Depp's daughter and Smith's daughter, leading to Depp's involvement in the project.
- Depp's role in Tusk was originally offered to Quentin Tarantino, but when he turned it down, Depp stepped in and brought a distinct quirkiness to the character.
Kevin Smith's dark humor and surreal horror. Tusk was born from Smith's own podcast, where he and his co-host whimsically discussed a fake ad that inspired the film's twisted narrative (via Smodcast).
Tusk quickly garnered attention for its unconventional plot and Smith's reputation for crafting distinctive cinematic experiences, but Johnny Depp's involvement in Tusk adds another layer of intrigue to the film. Depp's working relationship with Kevin Smith was, at the time, a new development in both their careers. Interestingly, their collaboration on Tusk was partially influenced by the friendship between their daughters, Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith. The two starred in another Kevin Smith movie, 2016's Yoga Hosers. This personal connection created a unique opportunity for the Tusk movie to cast Johnny Depp and for Depp to explore a role different from his mainstream appearances.
Johnny Depp Was Cast In Tusk After Quentin Tarantino Turned The Role Down
Depp's versatility as an actor and Smith's innovative storytelling promised an exciting dynamic for the film. However, initially, the role of Guy LaPointe, a quirky French-Canadian detective in Tusk, was offered to Quentin Tarantino, but he turned it down (via THR). This opened the door for Johnny Depp to step in to play the character, which would become one of his most unconventional roles. Depp portrays LaPointe with a distinct flair, infusing the character with an oddball energy that significantly impacts the film's tone without taking over the movie.
Comparatively, if Tarantino had accepted the role, the character of LaPointe might have had a different flavor. Tarantino often cameos in his own films and those of his friend Robert Rodriguez, often playing eccentric and offbeat characters, such as the creepy Richie Gecko in From Dusk Till Dawn and racist Robert in Django Unchained. His portrayal of LaPointe might have leaned more into the weirdness, akin to his appearances in films like Pulp Fiction or Planet Terror. Depp's interpretation, however, brings a different kind of quirkiness, as he completely immerses himself in the character.
Why Johnny Depp Is Uncredited In Tusk
In Tusk, Johnny Depp is credited under the pseudonym Guy LaPointe, the name of his character, rather than his real name. It hasn't been explained why Smith and Depp decided to keep Depp's role uncredited. However, it could be seen as a creative choice, likely influenced by the film's indie nature and Depp's desire to blend into Tusk's bizarre narrative without the distraction of his star power. It allowed audiences to focus on the character and the story, rather than Depp's celebrity status. The choice could also be seen as a marketing strategy, as word of mouth would undoubtedly have generated buzz.
Regarding Depp's compensation for the role, details are scarce. Given the film's independent status and Depp's well-established career, it's possible that his involvement was more for the creative experience than a substantial paycheck, as Tusk had a small $3 million budget (via The Numbers). This approach is not uncommon in the film industry, where established actors sometimes take on roles in independent films for reasons other than financial gain, such as the opportunity to work with particular directors or to explore unique characters and stories. In the case of Tusk, Depp's uncredited role as Guy LaPointe stands as a testament to his versatility and willingness to participate in unconventional projects.
