Actor Josh Gad says Avatar director James Cameron wanted to cast him in the sci-fi movie. However, the decision changed after getting a digital transformation of the character that looked like a "tall, overweight Smurf". (Also Read | James Cameron drops major hints about Avatar 3: ‘Might not be what audiences signed up for')
Josh recalled the auditions for the film in his book In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some, which was published on January 14, according to entertainment news outlet Variety. The 43-year-old actor said he was almost a part of the 2009 movie and would have portrayed the role.
"I put myself on tape and shortly thereafter got a call that Cameron wanted to fly me to Los Angeles for a final callback at his Lightstorm production offices," said the actor.
However, after getting the digital avatar, Josh looked like a "tall overweight Smurf" rather than what was required. "I apparently did not get (the role) because, while James Cameron was said to be thrilled with my audition, when I was turned into a digital Avatar I supposedly looked like a tall, overweight Smurf."
Upon its release in 2009, Avatar became the top-grossing film of all time at the worldwide box office, with more than $2.8 billion in revenues. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture and best director, and won three Oscars for best cinematography, production design and visual effects.
{{/usCountry}}Upon its release in 2009, Avatar became the top-grossing film of all time at the worldwide box office, with more than $2.8 billion in revenues. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture and best director, and won three Oscars for best cinematography, production design and visual effects.
{{/usCountry}}The blockbuster movie featured Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. Its second instalment, released in 2022, is titled Avatar: The Way of Water.