Josh Gad explains how his CGI version made him miss out on 'Avatar' role

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Josh Gad has shared an amusing yet poignant story from his career in his new memoir 'In Gad We Trust.'

Gad revealed that he auditioned for the role of Norm Spellman in James Cameron’s 2009 mega-hit 'Avatar.'

Josh Gad's audition for 'Avatar'

At the time, Gad was starring in 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' on Broadway.

He had struck an agreement with the musical’s producer that allowed him to leave the production for a television or film opportunity.

In his memoir, Gad, the beloved actor known for his work in Disney’s 'Frozen' and the Broadway hit 'The Book of Mormon', wrote that his audition caught the attention of Cameron, who invited him to Los Angeles for a final callback.

However, it was the CGI rendering of his avatar that derailed his chances.

“Cameron was said to be thrilled with my audition,” Gad shared, adding “but when I was turned into a digital Avatar, I supposedly looked like a tall, overweight Smurf.”

The role ultimately went to Joel David Moore who played the human scientist with a Na’vi avatar, alongside Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully.

The legacy of 'Avatar'

Despite losing the role, Gad watched as 'Avatar' became a cultural phenomenon, earning its place as one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Moore reprised his role as Norm Spellman in 2022’s 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and is expected to return for the forthcoming 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', releasing this December.

Additional sequels are planned, continuing Cameron’s ambitious storytelling in the world of Pandora.

In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Cameron, now 70, spoke about the bold creative risks he’s taking with the upcoming films.

“If you’re not making brave choices, you’re wasting everybody’s time and money,” he said, adding “You’ve got to break the mold every fricking time.”

Josh Gad’s continued success

Although Gad did not get to explore Pandora, his career skyrocketed.

He found success on Broadway in 'The Book of Mormon' and achieved global fame as the voice of Olaf, the lovable snowman in Disney’s 'Frozen' franchise.

Gad also appeared in films like '21' and 'Strays' and starred in the television series 'Wolf Like Me.'

Currently, he is collaborating with Mel Brooks on a sequel to the 1987 comedy classic 'Spaceballs.'

Reflecting on his career trajectory, Gad’s memoir offers fans a candid look at his journey in the entertainment industry, blending humor with heartfelt insights, according to People.