1997’s Titanic massively contributed to making actor Leonardo DiCaprio a known name in the entertainment industry. In most cases, it is impossible for actors to guess how a film will perform before accepting the role. Back in the mid-1990s, DiCaprio was offered to star in these two films and he had to make a decision.
Looking back at it, DiCaprio is glad that he got the opportunity to play the role of Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s blockbuster hit, however, he revealed that he often wonders what would have happened if he accepted this 1997 movie that was offered to him at the time.
Leonardo DiCaprio had to reject this movie for 1997’s Titanic
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was offered a role in director Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 movie, Boogie Nights, however, he had to reject the role because he was already appearing in James Cameron’s Titanic. That was not the only reason, DiCaprio was also “spooked” by Anderson’s lack of experience back then because it was his second movie.
The role ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg and the movie wasn’t terrible, in fact, it was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Anderson, Best Supporting Actress for Moore, and Best Supporting Actor for Burt Reynolds.
Does Leonardo DiCaprio regret rejecting that movie?
In a 2008 interview with GQ Magazine, DiCaprio explained that he loved the movie but unfortunately, he couldn’t do it. He was asked if he would go back in time and reject Titanic for Boogie Nights, and the actor replied,
“Boogie Nights is a movie I loved and I wish I would’ve done. I’m not saying I would have. But it would have been a different direction, career-wise. I think they’re both great and wish I could have done them both. The truth is, if I’d not done Titanic, I wouldn’t be able to do the types of movies or have the career I have now, for sure. But it would have been interesting to see if I had gone the other way.”
Without a doubt, Titanic gave DiCaprio the career he has today. His work as Jack Dawson in the film made him a worldwide sensation. While Boogie Nights was a hit, it wasn’t as successful as Titanic, which broke several records.
At $200 million, the movie cost more than the Titanic itself. The cost to construct the ship in 1910-1912 was £1.5 million ($7.5 million at the time) and about $120 to $150 million adjusted in 1997 dollars. Grossing over $1.8 billion at the global box office, it became the highest-grossing film at the time of its release.
Source: GQ Magazine
