James Cameron Says Leonardo DiCaprio Nearly Lost 'Titanic' Role Over His Attitude in Audition

Mar. 15, 2025

Leonardo DiCaprio.Photo: 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Leonardo DiCapriocame close to never playing his arguably most famous and iconic character when he somewhat butted heads withJames Cameronduring the audition process forTitanic.

In avideo career retrospectiveforGQpublished Tuesday, the Oscar-winning filmmaker spent a good portion of time talking about his 1997 historical drama epic, which for a span of years was the top-grossing film of all time.

Beyond his initial consideration of rebuilding the entire doomed ship (which launched in 1911 and sank on April 15, 1912), and his liking forGwyneth Paltrowin the role of Rose before he metKate Winslet, Cameron spilled oncasting DiCaprio as Jack, which almost fell apart over the actor’s poor attitude during auditions.

Merie W. Wallace/20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

“There was a meeting with Leo and then there was a screen test with Leo,” Cameron said, setting the scene. “The meeting was funny because I am sitting in my conference room, waiting to meet an actor. And I look around, and all the women in the entire office are in the meeting. They all wanted to meet Leo. It was hysterical.”

The filmmaker said the first meeting went well and DiCaprio “charmed everybody” so he was asked back for a read with Winslet, who had already been cast. It did not go as smoothly. At least, not at first.

James Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio in 1998.Ron Wolfson/Getty

DiCaprio reluctantly agreed to read and was indignant until the camera was rolling, Cameron claimed.

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“So he comes in, and he’s like every ounce of his entire being is justsonegative — right up until I said, ‘Action.’ Then he turned into Jack,” the director explained. “Kate just lit up, and they played the scene. Dark clouds had opened up, and a ray of sun came down and lit up Jack. I’m like, ‘All right. He’s the guy.'”

source: people.com