James Cameron Claims Leonardo DiCaprio Thought ‘Titanic’ Was Boring

Leonardo DiCaprio is well-known for his work as a leading man in biopics and period movies. But Titanic remains the actor’s biggest box office success and one of the best movies. However, it was a bit difficult for director James Cameron to get him to star in the film.

DiCaprio refused to be a part of the epic tragedy romance film, Cameron recently admitted to People magazine. In order to convince DiCaprio that the movie wasn’t “boring,” Cameron had to “twist” his arm.

“He didn’t want to do a leading man. I had to really twist his arm to be in the movie. He didn’t want to do it. He thought it was boring. [He] accepted the part only when I convinced him that it was actually a difficult challenge.”

DiCaprio’s refused to take the “Titanic” screen test and it caused Cameron and DiCaprio to encounter yet another hurdle, he revealed to GQ magazine earlier this year. Prior to giving him the role of Jack, Cameron wanted DiCaprio to screen test with Kate Winslet, who had already been selected for the role of Rose.

“I had the camera set up to record the video. Leo didn’t know he was going to test. He thought it was another meeting to meet Kate. So I said, ‘Okay, we’ll just go in the next room, and we’ll run some lines and I’ll video it.’ And he said, ‘You mean, I’m reading?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Oh, I don’t read.’ I shook his hand and said, ‘Thanks for coming by.’”

As Cameron was about to walk away, DiCaprio came back and said, “Wait, wait, wait. If I don’t read, I don’t get the part? Just like that?” To which Cameron replied, “Oh, yeah. Come on. This is a giant movie that is going to take two years of my life, and you’ll be gone doing five other things while I’m doing post-production.”

“So, I’m not going to f**k it up by making the wrong decision in casting. So, you’re going to read, or you’re not going to get the part.’”

DiCaprio finally took a screen test and we all know what happened then. However, “Titanic” is all set to make a comeback and hit the theaters on Feb. 10 with a brand new 4K restoration to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Stay tuned to Thirsty to get the latest updates.

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