Starting his career through television as a teenager, Leonardo DiCaprio achieved global fame after his appearance in James Cameron’s Titanic. Appearing in several acclaimed projects, the actor quickly developed the skill of being selective in his career and earned a reputation for making thoughtful decisions.
But this particular decision-making skill once landed Leonardo DiCaprio in great loss. Being one of the greatest actors of his generation and working with acclaimed filmmakers, the actor claimed to have gone too far when he refused a Disney cult classic. Discussing how the movie could have catapulted his fame, DiCaprio recalled losing a lot of money over the project.
Leonardo DiCaprio Turned Down a 1993 Disney Movie
The Hollywood legend Leonardo DiCaprio has repeatedly proven to have a clear vision when it comes to his career and choice of projects. Over his four decades of career, the actor has thus garnered acclaim through his natural charisma and phenomenal performance. Appearing in highly appreciated movies throughout his career, DiCaprio once made a wrong choice during his initial years.
Despite having extreme dedication towards his craft, Leonardo DiCaprio once made a tough decision about which role to take and which roles to turn down. And as it appears, the actor unfortunately rejected a Disney cult classic in 1993. Eyed to appear in Hocus Pocus, DiCaprio was offered the role of Max. However, he ended up giving up on the role.
During his discussion with Variety, Leonardo DiCaprio reflected upon the time when he rejected Disney’s Hocus Pocus and lost a hell load of money. Being busy with two different projects, the actor had to make tough choices that led him to drop the Disney movie.
Also read: 5 Oscar-Winning Actors Who Turned Down Millions of Dollars Worth Offers From Marvel and DC
Leonardo DiCaprio Regretted Refusing The Cult Classic
Speaking with Variety, the Titanic actor recalled how he turned down the role of Max in Hocus Pocus without thinking much. Stuck in a busy schedule, Leonardo DiCaprio opted for a different project over the cult classic. Thus, during the interview, he even mentioned how much he regretted turning down the opportunity during his early years.
Stating how he was offered “more money than I ever dreamed of” DiCaprio admitted he still refused the role. Holding out for a small indie, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, for which he hadn’t even auditioned yet, the actor turned down the 1993 Disney film. “I don’t know where the hell I got the nerve,” DiCaprio admitted during his interview.
Eventually, Disney’s Hocus Pocus failed to make an impact at the box office, but certainly, the movie turned into a renowned project that later turned into a family-friendly Halloween staple, and came up with a sequel in 2022. And although DiCaprio turned into a global icon, soon after, there’s no denying that he didn’t regret his decision.
Watch Hocus Pocus on Disney+.
Source: Variety
