Did You Know Leonardo Dicaprio Didn't Want To Do ‘Titanic’? Director James Cameron Reveals The Reason

James Cameron's ‘Titanic’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, went on to become the highest grossing movie at that time. After releasing in 1997, the film earned 11 Academy Awards out of its 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, did you know that Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t keen to do the film as he felt that the screenplay of the film was "boring"?

Ahead of the 80th Golden Globes ceremony, director James Cameron during an interview with People Magazine, revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio was not eager to star in ‘Titanic’.

He said, "He didn't want to be 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. It didn't surprise me, first of all, that he's made a lot of authentic choices going forward. And secondly, I never doubted his talent.”

Earlier, James Cameron had revealed that Leonardo did not wish to audition for the film,  but it was he who made sure that ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ actor gave the reading test. The film, which will clock its 25th year anniversary next month, would have not been complete without the presence of its two leading stars, Leo and Kate, the director feels.

Meanwhile, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the film will be released in theatres on February 10. Alongside Leonardo and Kate, the film featured Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, David Warner, Victor Garber and Bill Paxton. 

‘Titanic’ currently stands as the third highest-grossing movie with a collection $2.2 billion at the box office.