Imagine a different version of the iconic film Titanic, with Matthew McConaughey and Gwyneth Paltrow as the lead actors instead of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
In the 25 years since its release, only two films have surpassed Titanic's box office success – Avengers: Endgame and James Cameron's own Avatar.
The image of Winslet and DiCaprio standing on the deck of the doomed ship has become one of the most enduring and iconic cinematic moments.
But what if the original casting decisions had gone differently?
Let's take a look at the other actors who were considered for the main roles in Titanic.
Gwyneth Paltrow was almost Rose in Titanic.
Initially, director James Cameron had doubts about casting Kate Winslet because she had already done several period dramas.
He considered a long list of actors before settling on Winslet.
Reese Witherspoon, Winona Ryder, and Claire Danes reportedly turned down the role.
Paltrow, who was mentioned by Cameron in a recent interview with GQ, came very close to taking on the part.
In a 2015 interview with Howard Stern, Paltrow revealed that she was “really in contention” for the role and was one of the final two actors considered before ultimately turning it down.
As for the role of Jack, Matthew McConaughey almost landed the part before it went to DiCaprio.
Cameron believed that other actors, such as Chris O'Donnell, Billy Crudup, and Stephen Dorff, were too old to play the 20-year-old character.
Jared Leto was also considered but refused to audition, while Tom Cruise's asking price ruled him out.
McConaughey and Jeremy Sisto both auditioned alongside Winslet, with McConaughey feeling confident after his audition but ultimately not getting the role.
Interestingly, McConaughey was later offered the part of Caledon Hockley, which he declined.
Sisto expressed his disappointment in a 2015 interview, saying he was “a little heartbroken” to have lost out on the role.
Other notable names that were considered for roles in Titanic include Robert De Niro and Lindsay Lohan.
De Niro was reportedly offered the role of Captain Smith but turned it down due to a gastrointestinal infection.
The role eventually went to Bernard Hill.
Lohan, who was just 11 years old at the time, auditioned for the minor role of Cora Cartmell but missed out because her red hair was too similar to Winslet's character, Rose.
There were also other actors interested in different roles.
Rob Lowe had his eye on the part of Caledon Hockley before it went to Billy Zane.
Country singer Reba McEntire turned down the role of Molly Brown, which was later played by Kathy Bates, due to her touring schedule.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Titanic, it's fascinating to think about the alternate universe where these actors took on the iconic roles.
While the film's success is undeniable with Winslet and DiCaprio at the helm, it's intriguing to imagine how different the story could have been with McConaughey and Paltrow as the leads.
Titanic continues to captivate audiences, and its legacy remains intact after all these years.
Don't miss the 25th-anniversary re-release of Titanic in cinemas.
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