An Infection Prevented Robert De Niro from Joining James Cameron’s Titanic with Kate Winslet

Robert De Niro was on the verge of joining the cast of James Cameron's Titanic as Captain E.J.

Smith alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

However, due to a medical condition, he was unable to take on the role.

Titanic, released in 1997, became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and solidified Cameron's reputation as a filmmaker.

The film also launched DiCaprio and Winslet into international stardom, portraying the iconic star-crossed lovers Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater.

The sinking of the Titanic is a tragic event that resonates both in cinema and real life.

While Jack and Rose were fictional characters, some individuals in the movie were based on real people, such as Captain E.J.

Smith and Bruce J. Ismay.

Initially, Robert De Niro, known for his role in Goodfellas, was chosen to play Captain Smith.

Unfortunately, he had to decline the role due to a painful gastrointestinal infection, as reported by The Mirror.

This medical condition made it challenging for him to participate in the project.

Bernard Hill ultimately replaced De Niro, a decision that proved wise as Hill bore a striking resemblance to the real-life counterpart.

Though a minor role, it left a lasting impression on the audience.

De Niro's absence from Titanic was certainly a missed opportunity, given his exceptional acting skills.

However, as the saying goes, everything happens for a reason.

The actor went on to star in three other films that same year.

Hill, on the other hand, used the role as a stepping stone to further opportunities in Hollywood, including securing the role of King Théoden in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.

Despite missing out on Titanic, Robert De Niro had the chance to collaborate with Leonardo DiCaprio on other projects, such as This Boy's Life and Killers of the Flower Moon.

In an interview with Access, De Niro expressed his pride in DiCaprio's success and their recent movie collaboration, saying, “It was finally a time where we can do a movie together with this film, and I hope we can do another movie together with Marty.

It was a great experience.”

At 80 years old, De Niro shows no signs of slowing down and is open to working with DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese on future projects.

In a related matter, Robert De Niro's production company was recently ordered to pay $1.264 million to his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson, following a gender discrimination lawsuit.