'special' Actor Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp only plays "special" characters.

The Hollywood actor has revealed he takes great care when deciding which films he wants to appear in and will only accepted a movie role if he finds it fascinating.

He said: "The person I represent must be somehow special. I was totally fascinated of John Dillinger in 'Public Enemies' for example. And Captain Jack Sparrow was revolutionary - a bank robber but at the same time national hero. At that time banks were hated - like today. I see him as a sort of Robin Hood."

The 46-year-old star - who stepped up to replace the late Heath Ledger when he died tragically during filming of 'The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus' - says he was so impressed with the film's director Terry Gilliam, he jumped at the chance to help him out.

'Special' actor Johnny Depp

He explained to Germany's Joy magazine: "Since I've worked with Terry - the director of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' - I'm a big fan of him. When Terry asked me to help, I was immediately on the spot."

Meanwhile, Johnny said he is "lucky" to have made it as an actor.

He said: "My success came on its own. However, I was very lucky. For example, directors like Tim Burton fought for me when Paramount didn't want to give me the lead role in 'Sleepy Hollow'.

"When I made the breakthrough I was regarded as the new James Dean. But the biggest compliment I ever received was the comparison with Marlon Brando. He is my idol - and was my best friend."