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James Cameron nearly didn't pick Leonardo DiCaprio to play Jack Dawson in Titanic, stating that the actor arrived at the audition with a diva-like demeanor.
The director of the film, James Cameron, recalled the meeting with DiCaprio before the record-breaking 1997 film in an interview with GQ published on Tuesday. James also mentioned that Kate Winslet had been chosen to play the lead role of Rose DeWitt Bukater beforehand.
The 68-year-old director explained: 'Leo walked in - of course, he attracted everyone, including me. And I said: Alright, let's see how your chemistry with Kate goes!'.
According to James Cameron, DiCaprio (22 years old at the time of the film's release) thought it meant 'another meeting to see Kate'. But in reality, Cameron called him in to record both of them reading the script together.
Upon hearing this, according to James, Leo had a reaction. And he said: 'You mean I'm reading?', and I replied: 'Yeah'. Leo continued: 'Oh, I'm not reading'.
After Leo's refusal, Cameron then stated that his next answer had shaken the very foundation of the male actor at that moment. At that time, James only replied succinctly with a thank you to Leo 'for dropping by.'
Leo seemed dazed by James' response. According to the 68-year-old director, Leo asked him again: 'Wait, wait. Do you mean if I don't read, I don't get the role? Is that all?'
And I said: 'Oh, yes. Well. This is, like, a giant film that will take two years of my life... so I won't mess it up by making the wrong decision when casting. So, you'll read, or you won't get the part.'
According to Cameron, DiCaprio was annoyed and breathed heavily but reluctantly agreed to read the script with Winslet.
Director James Cameron recalls: 'Every part of his entire being was too negative until I said: 'Action!'
Cameron said DiCaprio immediately 'turned into Jack.'
He explained: 'They dove into this whole thing and he played that scene. The dark clouds dispersed, and this ray of sunshine illuminated Jack. I said: 'Alright, he's that guy.'
After its release, Titanic scooped up 11 out of 14 Oscar nominations, meanwhile, Jack's role propelled Leonardo DiCaprio to become one of the most influential actors of the century.
