Josh Gad Reveals Failed “Avatar” Audition, Thrives in “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast”

by Haley January 21, 2025

Josh Gad, known for his role as Olaf in Frozen, has revealed that he auditioned for a role in James Cameron’s first Avatar film but was turned down because his Na’vi form resembled a “tall, overweight smurf.” In his memoir, In Gad We Trust, Gad shared that Cameron personally asked him to audition for the role of Jake Sully’s best friend and translator to the Na’vi. Despite Cameron being thrilled with his audition, Gad’s digital avatar did not meet the director’s expectations. While he may have missed out on Avatar, Gad has found success in other film franchises such as Frozen and Beauty and the Beast.

– Josh Gad revealed in his memoir that he auditioned for a role in James Cameron’s first Avatar film, but was turned down because his Na’vi form looked like a “tall, overweight Smurf.”
– Cameron was reportedly thrilled with Gad’s audition but felt that his digital avatar did not fit the desired look for the character.
– Despite missing out on Avatar, Gad has found success in other films, including his roles in the Frozen franchise and Beauty and the Beast.

Josh Gad, known for his role as Olaf in Disney’s Frozen franchise, recently revealed that he auditioned for a part in James Cameron’s first Avatar film, but was ultimately turned down. In his memoir, In Gad We Trust, the actor explained that Cameron himself had asked him to fly to Los Angeles for an audition. The role he was vying for was that of Jake Sully’s best friend and translator to the Na’vi.

Although Gad’s audition reportedly impressed Cameron, he was not selected for the role. The reason behind this decision, as told by Gad, was that when his image was transformed into a digital avatar, he apparently resembled a “tall, overweight Smurf.” Ultimately, the part went to Joel David Moore, who portrayed Norm Spellman in the 2009 film.

Despite missing out on an opportunity to star in Avatar, Gad has had enormous success in other film franchises. He has won audiences over as the lovable snowman Olaf in Frozen and its subsequent sequels and spin-offs. Additionally, he has appeared in notable roles such as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast and Muncher in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, among others.

In the meantime, the highly anticipated sequel to Avatar, titled The Way of Water, was released in 2022. However, Cameron is not stopping there as he has plans for a third installment called Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to hit theaters on December 19th of this year.

Despite the disappointment of not landing a role in Avatar, Gad’s career has thrived in other avenues. With his undeniable talent and ability to capture the hearts of audiences, it is clear that he has a bright future ahead in the industry.