Edward was almost played by John Cusack.
To celebrate the film's 25th anniversary, we spoke with its screenwriter, Caroline Thompson, and production designer, Bo Welch, about their experiences with Edward, Tim Burton, and the now-famous neighborhood of colorful characters.
20th Century Fox
The character Edward is based on a drawing Tim Burton did in high school.
"Tim had done a drawing when he was in high school and he told me about it as we were searching for something to work on together, and I said, 'Stop right there, I know exactly what to do with this.'" —Caroline Thompson, screenwriter for Edward Scissorhands
20th Century Fox
And the name Edward Scissorhands was taken directly from that drawing.
"That's all Tim's name." —CT
20th Century Fox
The entire story is meant to be seen through Edward's eyes, which is why the neighborhood looks so "fantastical."
"Clearly that idea of suburbia is intended to be seen through Edward's eyes, so that it looks like suburbia, but it also looks slightly more fantastical and appealing to him in a weird way." —Bo Welch, production designer for Edward Scissorhands
20th Century Fox
