Leonardo DiCaprio turned down Boogie Nights for Titanic — and now reveals why the decision still bothers him decades later

Time of India

2 days ago

Leonardo DiCaprio has acknowledged that even with his decades-long success and an Academy Award, there is one role he still wishes he had taken. Speaking with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson for Esquire's Mavericks of Hollywood issue, DiCaprio revealed that turning down the lead in Anderson's 1997 film Boogie Nights is the decision he most regrets.
The part ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg, and the film went on to earn widespread acclaim, multiple Academy Award nominations, and a lasting reputation as one of the defining movies of its era.
The role that got away
In the interview, Anderson asked DiCaprio if there were any moments in his career he would change. 'I'll say it even though you're here: My biggest regret is not doing Boogie Nights,' DiCaprio said. He described the film as 'a profound movie of my generation' and said that upon finally watching it, he considered it 'a masterpiece.'
The actor also noted the irony of making the admission to the film's director. At the time the role was offered, DiCaprio had already committed to James Cameron's Titanic, which became a global success.
Mark Wahlberg's perspective
Wahlberg, who played Eddie Adams — later known as adult film star Dirk Diggler — has spoken openly about the project. In 2017, he commented that he hoped 'God is a movie fan and also forgiving,' citing the film among the roles he once questioned. He later clarified that the remark came during a talk with students about faith and choices, adding that some decisions might not align with religious values.
When asked whether he would accept a similar role today, Wahlberg said it would likely not be well received by his wife, Rhea Durham, or their four children.
From missed opportunity to new collaboration
Although Boogie Nights did not bring them together, DiCaprio and Wahlberg have shared the screen in both The Basketball Diaries (1995) and The Departed (2006). The new Esquire conversation comes ahead of the release of One Battle After Another, marking DiCaprio's first collaboration with Anderson.
leonardo dicaprio and kate winslet on the set of 'titanic' in 1997. pic.twitter.com/yjWbo19RWE
The upcoming action-thriller stars DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary pursued by Sean Penn's police character, Steven Lockjaw. The cast also includes Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, Regina Hall, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti. DiCaprio described the film as a long-gestating project for Anderson and said he had been eager to work with the director for 'something like 20 years.'
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