James Cameron has revealed a behind-the-scenes tale about the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio for the iconic film 'Titanic', marking its 25th anniversary.
In a recent interview with GQ, the director disclosed that DiCaprio's attitude almost cost him the role of Jack, the male lead opposite Kate Winslet's Rose.
Leonardo DiCaprio, now an influential figure in Hollywood, rose to prominence in the '90s, notably for his role in the blockbuster 'Titanic,' released in 1997. The film, narrating the tragic sinking of the renowned ocean liner, has since become a timeless classic, with DiCaprio and Winslet etched into the hearts of audiences as Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt, respectively.
Cameron reminisced about the challenging casting process, recounting a meeting where all the women from the office eagerly gathered to meet the then 21-year-old DiCaprio. Despite initial positive impressions, Cameron decided to conduct a camera test to ensure chemistry with Winslet, who had already been selected for the role.
In a surprising turn, DiCaprio expressed his reluctance to read lines during the camera test, stating, "Oh, I don't read." Cameron, unwavering in his commitment to casting the right actor, responded by thanking him for coming and implying that reading was a non-negotiable part of the audition process.
Reflecting on the incident, Cameron revealed that DiCaprio quickly backtracked, realizing the importance of the opportunity. He recounted DiCaprio's response, "Wait, wait, wait. If I don't read, I don't get the role? Just like that?" Cameron affirmed, emphasizing the magnitude of the film and the need for the right casting decision.
Despite the initial hiccup, Cameron acknowledged that as soon as he witnessed DiCaprio's performance, any doubts vanished. Describing the transformation when the camera rolled, Cameron stated, "Then he became Jack. Kate just turned on, and they did the scene. The eyes opened. dark clouds and a ray of sun came down and illuminated Jack. I was like, 'Okay. He's the right guy.'"
In the end, Leonardo DiCaprio's undeniable talent and on-screen chemistry with Kate Winslet secured his place as Jack Dawson in 'Titanic,' a role that would go on to define his career and contribute to the film's enduring legacy.
