What's Eating Gilbert Grape, based on a 1991 novel by Peter Hedges, was well received and earned 19-year-old Leonardo his first Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for his portrayal as Arnie. "There was a bitter tea there," Corey acknowledged. "But that said, you don't hang on those, you get past 'em."

Corey Feldman says that Johnny Depp cost him a role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. On the most recent episode of Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan ’s The Magnificent Others podcast, the Goonies star claimed that he was originally cast as Arnie Grape, a teen with developmental disabilities, in the 1993 film before Depp came on board.

Corey Feldman claimed he lost out on a role in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" because of Johnny Depp. The actor was allegedly set to star in Leonardo DiCaprio's role before filming began.