Synopsis
Josh Gad reveals in his memoir how he almost landed a role in the legendary film 'Avatar' but was ultimately turned down due to not fitting director James Cameron's physical requirements. Despite this setback, Gad's journey showcases his determination and the film's immense success.Key Takeaways
- Josh Gad auditioned for a role in Avatar.
- James Cameron was excited about Gad's audition.
- Gad was deemed unsuitable due to physical appearance.
- Joel David Moore ultimately got the role.
- Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time.
Los Angeles, Jan 21 (NationPress) Hollywood actor Josh Gad narrowly missed landing a role in the iconic 2009 sci-fi hit “Avatar,” as he did not fit the physical archetype that director James Cameron was seeking.
In his recent memoir, “In Gad We Trust,” Gad recounted his eagerness to escape his role in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on Broadway and pursue other opportunities in TV and film. One of the first auditions he attended was for Cameron's upcoming project, “Avatar,” according to reports from variety.com.
“I submitted a tape and soon received a call that Cameron wanted to bring me to Los Angeles for a final audition at his Lightstorm production office,”
he shared.
Had he been cast, Gad would have portrayed Jake Sully’s (played by Sam Worthington) close friend and translator for the alien species known as the Na’vi.
Explaining why he was not selected, Gad said: “I was informed that, while James Cameron was excited about my audition, when I was transformed into a digital Avatar, I supposedly resembled a tall, overweight Smurf.”
The role ultimately went to Joel David Moore, who plays Norm Spellman in “Avatar,” functioning as a trusted ally to Jake Sully and an expert in the Na’vi language.
“Avatar” premiered in December 2009, becoming the highest-grossing film ever, amassing a staggering $2.9 billion globally to date.
The sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” currently ranks third with a lifetime gross of $2.3 billion. At the upcoming 2024 D23 Expo, Cameron disclosed the title for the third installment: “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” set for release on December 19, 2025.
