Reason Matthew McConaughey lost iconic Titanic role to Leonardo DiCaprio revealed
Matthew McConaughey is said to have missed out on the role of Jack Dawson in Titanic after refusing to follow instructions during his screen test with director James Cameron.
The 55 year old star, famous for his distinctive Texan accent and laid-back charisma, reportedly auditioned alongside Kate Winslet during the early casting process for the 1997 epic. However, the role eventually went to Leonardo DiCaprio. The revelation about his failed audition comes from producer Jon Landau's posthumous memoir, The Bigger Picture, which was featured in journalist Matthew Belloni's newsletter What I'm Hearing.
Jon is said to have wrote: "We brought (Matthew) in to do a scene with Kate (Winslet, for Titanic.) You want to check for chemistry, not just how people look on film but how they interact. Kate was taken with Matthew, his presence and charm. Matthew did the scene with the (Southern) drawl."
According to Jon's account, following Matthew's first performance, director James, now 70, requested he repeat the scene without his Southern accent. The actor reportedly refused.
"That was pretty good. Thanks," Matthew apparently responded, wrapping up the audition without attempting a second reading.
Jack Dawson, the role that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio, was conceived as a working-class orphan from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, making his way back to America on the doomed RMS Titanic.
Whilst Matthew was turned down for the part, Leonardo, now 50, also reportedly created tension during his own audition process. In a candid chat with GQ in 2022, James reminisced about the time he asked Leonardo to read lines during a test shoot with Winslet.
The director recounted how the actor initially brushed off the request, saying: "Oh, I don't read." James stood his ground, informing him that without reading, the role wouldn't be his.
Leonardo acquiesced and went on to impress with a stellar audition. "Kate just lit up ... dark clouds had opened up and a ray of sun came down and lit up Jack," James recalled, convinced then that Leonardo was perfect for the part.
Titanic, which hit cinemas in December 1997, soared to become one of the most successful films ever, both commercially and critically. Helmed by James and featuring Leonardo and Kate as the leads, the movie spins the tale of Jack and Rose – star-crossed lovers from disparate social strata aboard the ill-fated vessel, which tragically sank on April 14, 1912.
With a hefty production budget of around $200 million, Titanic raked in over $2.2 billion worldwide. At its release, it clinched the title of the highest-grossing film ever, a record it held until James' own Avatar surpassed it in 2009.
The epic romance swept the Oscars with 14 nominations and bagged 11 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Song, and Best Cinematography.
It also launched Leonardo and Kate, who were just 22 and 21 at the time, into global superstardom. Although he missed out on this particular role, Matthew's career didn't suffer, as he later achieved Hollywood acclaim with standout performances in Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar and True Detective, securing an Oscar in 2014.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Influencer couple described as 'extraordinary souls' killed in off-road crash
Influencer couple described as 'extraordinary souls' killed in off-road crash It is thought that they may have lost control on the rugged terrain General view of one part of British Columbia, Canada (Image: Getty) An influencer couple have died after an off-road crash. Matthew and Stacey, the couple behind the Toyota World Runners social media pages, died in a recent off-road accident in the mountains of British Columbia towards the village of Trout Lake. Their deaths were confirmed by friends and family online and by Kaslo Search and Rescue, who attended the scene. The couple were driving through rough terrain on a forestry road north of Trout Lake on the evening of August 7 when rescuers believe they lost control of their vehicle. Mark Jennings-Bates, a manager with Kaslo SAR, said teams were called to the crash at around 7.30pm local time. He said: 'Our teams were able to get to them efficiently. It's a long journey, but they got there efficiently. So that was very, very helpful. And of course that means that the helicopter pilot could also fly straight to the destination with confidence that he was going to find them." Jennings-Bates confirmed that one of them had died before rescuers arrived, while the other was airlifted to hospital but later died. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The exact cause of the crash is unclear but according to various reports, it is thought that they may have lost control on the rugged terrain. Their close friends at @4xjournalnz also confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on their Instagram page, describing them as 'two extraordinary souls who truly lived life to the fullest.' Content cannot be displayed without consent The pair first connected with 4XJournal through a feature story, quickly becoming friends over their shared love of Toyotas, craft beer, and travel. 'With a little encouragement, we convinced them to visit New Zealand they stayed in our home, celebrated my birthday, and, of course, enjoyed more than a few craft beers together,' the post said. During that trip, the New Zealand friends helped Matthew and Stacey buy and build a Hilux so they could explore the country. They travelled together to Queenstown before the couple continued on to the South Island. 'Matthew and Stacey had an enormous impact on my life. First, through their content. Then, as close friends,' the post continued. Content cannot be displayed without consent 'We spent countless hours in fits of laughter, and I had the privilege of witnessing their fierce love for one another… They were planning their wedding and a lifetime of off-road exploration together.' The tribute also acknowledged the risks of their shared passion. 'Remote locations are part of what makes this lifestyle so special, but they come with risks. Matthew and Stacey knew that - and they embraced life regardless.' Matthew was remembered as 'the visionary, the drone pilot, the Toyota wheeler… hilarious, endlessly creative, and determined to live life to the fullest.' Article continues below Stacey was also described as 'the kindest of souls… number one camera operator, Toyota wheeler, and a truly grounded spirit unlike any other.' The tribute concluded: 'Rest in peace, you two. You will be forever missed.'
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
Titanic theme blares from loudspeaker as luxury yacht hits rocks off Abersoch
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Scores of boats raced to help a luxury 50ft yacht when it foundered on rocks off the Gwynedd coast yesterday afternoon (Monday, August 11). A passing jet ski played the Titanic theme tune through a loudspeaker as a crew member clung frantically to the listing vessel. The ketch, on passage from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli, came to grief on submerged rocks a quarter of a mile from St Tudwal's Island East near Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula. The island's owner, Carl Hollins, was first on the scene and he tried unsuccessfully to pull the yacht from its its Carreg y Trai perch, also known as Half Tide Rocks. The vessel was a Swedish-built Hallberg-Rassy, regarded as the 'Rolls Royce' of sailing yachts. Second hand prices often start at £500,000 for smaller models. Half Tide Rocks are usually visible above the surface and are a favourite basking spot for seals. Yesterday they were submerged by a high Spring tide but the rocks are charted and the twin-mast yacht should have been alerted to the hazard through its GPS system. On spotting the stranded vessel, Mr Hollins, son of the late TV comedy writer Carla Lane, jumped into his rigid inflatable (RIB) and sped to the scene. He said: 'The rocks were a foot or two beneath the water and the yacht, with its sails down, had run hard aground. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community 'The skipper knew what he was doing but there was a young woman on board who was clinging onto the deck for dear life. I tried to reassure her she would be OK – I shouted the Coastguard had been alerted and a lifeboat was on its way.' (Image: Carl Hollins) In the meantime, Carl hatched a rescue plan. Asking the skipper to untie the yacht's halyard – the rope running up its mast – he picked one end from the water and lashed it to his RIB. 'I gunned the engine as hard as I could to pull the yacht,' he said. 'But it wouldn't budge from the rocks. 'Unfortunately the tide was receding and there was a strong, four-knot current, making it hard to shift.' By this time he'd been joined by Abersoch's RNLI lifeboat – and a few others. 'It seemed like 100 boats and craft had come to help,' said Carl. 'It's always sad to see a boat founder that's worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Being a Hallberg-Rassy, it's one of the Ferraris or Rolls Royces of sailing boats. 'There was a lighter moment when a jet skier started playing the Titanic theme tune through his sound system. It was quite amusing – everyone seemed to see the funny side. 'Later, when the tides had gone out some 6ft or 7ft, there was lots of interest in the yacht and people started flying drones overhead.' (Image: David Medcalf/Wiki) After sharing footage of the stranding online, Carl's video prompted a few 'can't park there' comments. There was also plenty of applause for Carl and sympathy for the skipper. One man said: 'I feel very sorry for him/her. Yes, it was a big mistake, but anyone who has sailed for any length of time will have the odd 'confession' or two.' Abersoch's RNLI volunteer crew arrived at the scene at 12.42pm. The two casualties and their pet dog were taken onto the lifeboat where they were found to be "unharmed but somewhat shaken". Arrangements were made with the Harbourmaster to take them back out to their vessel later in the evening to try and refloat it on the next high tide. 'With a bit of luck they'll be able to refloat the yacht, providing it hasn't been holed," said Carl. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday "Had the sea been rough, it's likely it would have suffered damage – but the conditions were calm and settled today, so hopefully it will be OK.' Abersoch RNLI volunteer Martin Turtle said the yacht had been checked over and it appeared to be watertight. He added: "Before you go afloat always check the weather and tide times, plan your passage and check the relevant nautical charts for the area in detail." Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
13 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Titanic theme blares from loudspeaker as luxury yacht hits rocks off Abersoch
Scores of boats raced to help a luxury 50ft yacht when it foundered on rocks off the Gwynedd coast yesterday afternoon (Monday, August 11). A passing jet ski played the Titanic theme tune through a loudspeaker as a crew member clung frantically to the listing vessel. The ketch, on passage from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli, came to grief on submerged rocks a quarter of a mile from St Tudwal's Island East near Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula. The island's owner, Carl Hollins, was first on the scene and he tried unsuccessfully to pull the yacht from its its Carreg y Trai perch, also known as Half Tide Rocks. The vessel was a Swedish-built Hallberg-Rassy, regarded as the 'Rolls Royce' of sailing yachts. Second hand prices often start at £500,000 for smaller models. Half Tide Rocks are usually visible above the surface and are a favourite basking spot for seals. Yesterday they were submerged by a high Spring tide but the rocks are charted and the twin-mast yacht should have been alerted to the hazard through its GPS system. On spotting the stranded vessel, Mr Hollins, son of the late TV comedy writer Carla Lane, jumped into his rigid inflatable (RIB) and sped to the scene. He said: 'The rocks were a foot or two beneath the water and the yacht, with its sails down, had run hard aground. 'The skipper knew what he was doing but there was a young woman on board who was clinging onto the deck for dear life. I tried to reassure her she would be OK – I shouted the Coastguard had been alerted and a lifeboat was on its way.' In the meantime, Carl hatched a rescue plan. Asking the skipper to untie the yacht's halyard – the rope running up its mast – he picked one end from the water and lashed it to his RIB. 'I gunned the engine as hard as I could to pull the yacht,' he said. 'But it wouldn't budge from the rocks. 'Unfortunately the tide was receding and there was a strong, four-knot current, making it hard to shift.' By this time he'd been joined by Abersoch's RNLI lifeboat – and a few others. 'It seemed like 100 boats and craft had come to help,' said Carl. 'It's always sad to see a boat founder that's worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Being a Hallberg-Rassy, it's one of the Ferraris or Rolls Royces of sailing boats. 'There was a lighter moment when a jet skier started playing the Titanic theme tune through his sound system. It was quite amusing – everyone seemed to see the funny side. 'Later, when the tides had gone out some 6ft or 7ft, there was lots of interest in the yacht and people started flying drones overhead.' After sharing footage of the stranding online, Carl's video prompted a few 'can't park there' comments. There was also plenty of applause for Carl and sympathy for the skipper. One man said: 'I feel very sorry for him/her. Yes, it was a big mistake, but anyone who has sailed for any length of time will have the odd 'confession' or two.' Abersoch's RNLI volunteer crew arrived at the scene at 12.42pm. The two casualties and their pet dog were taken onto the lifeboat where they were found to be "unharmed but somewhat shaken". Arrangements were made with the Harbourmaster to take them back out to their vessel later in the evening to try and refloat it on the next high tide. 'With a bit of luck they'll be able to refloat the yacht, providing it hasn't been holed," said Carl. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday "Had the sea been rough, it's likely it would have suffered damage – but the conditions were calm and settled today, so hopefully it will be OK.' Abersoch RNLI volunteer Martin Turtle said the yacht had been checked over and it appeared to be watertight. He added: "Before you go afloat always check the weather and tide times, plan your passage and check the relevant nautical charts for the area in detail."
