Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Battle for ‘Titanic’ Stardom

The Unforgettable Duo Behind Titanic

The 1990s had no pairing more iconic than Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson from Titanic, and it was the talented actors Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio who brought these characters to life.

Winslet herself played a crucial role in securing her spot in the film.

After reading the script and being moved to tears, she was determined to be a part of it.

She even went as far as calling her agent to get director James Cameron's phone number.

With determination in her voice, she told him that she had to be cast in the film.

But Winslet didn't stop there.

She believed that DiCaprio was the perfect fit for the role of Jack, so she took matters into her own hands.

At the Cannes Film Festival, she managed to track him down and convince him to join the project.

She knew that his talent was unmatched and essential for the success of the film.

And so, the world came to know Winslet and DiCaprio as Rose and Jack in the blockbuster hit, Titanic, which premiered on December 19, 1997, and went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, earning $2.19 billion worldwide.

Other Contenders for Titanic Roles

However, the casting of Winslet and DiCaprio almost didn't happen.

Several other actresses were considered for the role of Rose, including Gwyneth Paltrow.

Despite being in the running, Paltrow ultimately decided not to take the part.

Claire Danes, who had recently starred with DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet, also turned down the role to avoid repeating their on-screen partnership.

Many other well-known actresses reportedly declined the opportunity to play Rose, including Drew Barrymore, Rose Byrne, Geena Davis, and Nicole Kidman.

Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Charlize Theron were said to have auditioned for the role.

The list of actresses who were considered or auditioned is extensive, including Jennifer Aniston, Kate Beckinsale, Cameron Diaz, Jodie Foster, and Uma Thurman, among others.

Matthew McConaughey's Audition for Jack

On the male side, Matthew McConaughey was eager to play the role of Jack.

He auditioned alongside Winslet and felt confident about his chances.

However, he ultimately did not get the part.

Director James Cameron explained that the decision was influenced by the presence of numerous women in the room during DiCaprio's interview, leading him to believe that casting DiCaprio was the right choice.

Jeremy Sisto, known for his roles in Clueless and White Squall, also auditioned with Winslet for the part of Jack.

Although he didn't land the role, he expressed admiration for the film and enjoyed seeing an alternate universe version of Titanic with himself as the lead.

Other actors considered for the role of Jack included River Phoenix, who tragically passed away before the film's production, Billy Crudup, Johnny Depp, and Stephen Dorff.

Christian Bale and Ethan Hawke auditioned for the role, while Macaulay Culkin, Tom Cruise, Jared Leto, Chris O'Donnell, and Brad Pitt were reportedly considered.

Hugh Grant's Rejection and Other Role Considerations

While Pierce Brosnan, Rupert Everett, and Rob Lowe were potential choices for the role of Cal Hockley, Hugh Grant was initially offered the part.

However, he turned it down, leading to Billy Zane's casting.

Reba McEntire was set to play Molly Brown but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts, leading Kathy Bates to take on the role.

Lindsay Lohan was originally considered for the role of Cora Cartmell but was ultimately replaced by Alexandrea Owens, as Cameron felt that there were already too many redheads in the film with Winslet in the lead.

In the end, the collaboration between Winslet and DiCaprio proved to be a match made in cinematic heaven.

Their performances as Rose and Jack in Titanic captivated audiences worldwide and solidified their status as two of the most talented actors of their generation.