As Hollywood prepares to honor the late director Rob Reiner at this year’s Academy Awards, one of the actors from one of his most beloved films is reportedly upset about being left out of the spotlight.
According to the New York Post, Corey Feldman is frustrated after learning he is not expected to participate in a tribute planned for Reiner during the 98th Oscars on March 15, per a report from the Daily Mail.
Feldman famously portrayed Teddy Duchamp in the 1986 coming-of-age classic “Stand by Me,” a film widely associated with Reiner’s career as a director.
But insiders say Feldman has not been included in the tribute lineup despite other actors from the movie reportedly being asked to appear.
According to the report, several of Feldman’s former co-stars are expected to take part.
Actors Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton — who also appeared in “Stand by Me” — have reportedly been invited. Meanwhile, stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, who appeared in Reiner’s romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally…”, are also expected to participate.
Feldman, however, has reportedly been left out.
“One person currently left off is Corey Feldman, and Corey is devastated that he hasn’t been asked to be part of the tribute,” a source told the Daily Mail.
The source said the actor had expected to be included, especially given the involvement of others connected to the film.
“He loved Rob and expected to be asked, especially since Jerry and Wil were asked.”
The reported omission comes just as Feldman and two of his former “Stand by Me” castmates are preparing for a reunion event marking the movie’s anniversary.
Feldman, O’Connell, and Wheaton are scheduled to reunite for a 40th-anniversary tour celebrating “Stand by Me,” which is set to begin March 13 in Pittsburgh.
Insiders told the outlet Feldman hoped the tribute would be an opportunity to celebrate the filmmaker’s legacy alongside others who worked closely with him.
“The night should be about Rob and honoring him,” the insider said. “Corey wants nothing more than to honor Rob, and the fact that he currently isn’t allowed is an absolute slap in the face.”
According to the report, Feldman and some of his former co-stars have contacted the Academy seeking clarification about the tribute plans. So far, they reportedly have not received a response.
Reiner and his wife were found dead in their California home on December 14 after suffering fatal stab wounds.
Authorities later charged their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with their deaths.
