
Known to many as the lovable snowman Olaf in Disney's Frozen, Josh Gad once came tantalizingly close to landing a major role in James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar.
- Jan 22, 2025
AceShowbiz - Before embracing his iconic role as Olaf in Disney's "Frozen", Josh Gad was frantically seeking an escape from his taxing run on Broadway's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".
In his newly published memoir, "In Gad We Trust", the actor reminisces about almost joining the cast of a groundbreaking film that would redefine visual effects and box office records: James Cameron's "Avatar".
In 2006, Gad found himself desperate to break free from his Broadway obligations. The show's producer, David Stone, finally gave him a timeout to audition for TV and film roles, promising to let him go if he landed a suitable gig.
Gad eagerly auditioned for "Avatar", hoping to secure the role of Jake Sully's best friend and translator to the Na'vi, a character that would have positioned him prominently in the franchise.
Gad's excitement soared when he learned that James Cameron himself was interested. Apparently, Cameron was impressed by his audition tape, leading to an invitation for a final callback at the director's Lightstorm production offices in Los Angeles. Gad flew out with high hopes, imagining a future on Pandora's bioluminescent landscapes.
However, Hollywood dreams can sometimes take unexpected turns. "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," Gad recalls candidly in his memoir.
The role ended up going to Joel David Moore, whose portrayal of Norm Spellman became a memorable part of the 2009 box office sensation.
As Josh Gad failed to secure the role, he was confronted by Broadway director James Lapine who was not happy with his brief break from the show, leading to a heated exchange.
"I said, 'Well, just to be clear, I intend to finish out my run either way,' to which he responded, 'What makes you think we would even want you back?' I finally lost it. 'Then f***ing fire me, James. Fire me. But whatever this is, I'm done with it.' "
Though "Avatar" ultimately eluded him, Gad's career took off in other directions, with "Frozen" propelling him to global fame. The what-ifs of his almost-role in Avatar remain a curious anecdote in his multifaceted career. With the release of his memoir, Gad's fans are getting an intimate glimpse into an intersection of theatre, film, and the resilience required to navigate both.