Could Josh Gad Have Been in Avatar? The Truth Behind His Missed Opportunity
Actor Josh Gad, known for his comedic talent, recently revealed in his book "In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some" that he was nearly cast in James Cameron's 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar. However, his digital transformation as an Avatar character derailed his chances.
Los Angeles: Actor Josh Gad, known for his comedic talent, recently revealed in his book “In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some” that he was nearly cast in James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar. However, his digital transformation as an Avatar character derailed his chances.
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Audition That Almost Made History
In his memoir, published on January 14, Gad shared that Cameron was impressed with his audition and even invited him to Los Angeles for a final callback at Lightstorm production offices.
“I put myself on tape, and shortly thereafter, I got a call that Cameron wanted to fly me to Los Angeles for a final callback,” Gad recounted.
Why Gad Lost the Role
Despite excelling in the audition, the transformation into his digital Avatar proved to be a stumbling block.
“While James Cameron was thrilled with my audition, when I was turned into a digital Avatar, I supposedly looked like a tall, overweight Smurf,” Gad humorously noted.
The Legacy of Avatar
Upon its release in 2009, Avatar broke records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time with over $2.8 billion in worldwide revenue. It received nine Academy Award nominations, winning three for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects.
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The film starred Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang, with its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, releasing in 2022.
What Could Have Been
While Gad missed out on the opportunity to join the blockbuster franchise, he has since become a fan favorite, known for his roles in Disney’s Frozen and Beauty and the Beast.
