Leonardo DiCaprio's Thoughts on Choosing Titanic Instead of Paul Thomas Anderson's Classic

Leonardo DiCaprio once faced a major career decision: work with Paul Thomas Anderson on the acclaimed film Boogie Nights or star in James Camerons blockbuster Titanic. He ultimately chose Titanic, a decision that led to the film winning 11 Academy Awards and cementing DiCaprio as one of Hollywoods top stars.

Recently, DiCaprio spoke with Deadline following his praised collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson on One Battle After Another, a film regarded by critics as one of this years finest. At 51, DiCaprio reflected on the opportunity he had to work with Anderson decades ago on Boogie Nights, which he passed up to join Titanic.

The 1997 epic became a global sensation, earning $2.2 billion and holding the title of the highest-grossing film of its time. DiCaprios role in Titanic elevated his career, giving him the freedom to pursue future projects and establishing him as a highly bankable lead actor.

Speaking about his decision, DiCaprio told the publication, Well, I think that was my answer to a question in the guise of speaking to Paul, and, without getting too personal about my own life, the question was, What do you regret most? We were sitting here talking about movies. It came from the standpoint of just being a fan of his work for so long.

He praised Mark Wahlbergs performance in Boogie Nights and acknowledged Andersons growth as a filmmaker, saying, So, its less about that specific film and more about wanting to have worked with Paul.

Regarding any regrets over choosing Titanic, DiCaprio said, No regrets. I mean, fully now in retrospect, I look back at that film and realize the thanks and the appreciation that I have for being a part of it, and to have been able to be in this incredibly fortunate position and not only to have been a part of that movie, but to be able to be the conductor of my own choices since.

He continued, That has been just the greatest gift. The dilemma for me at that point was, of course, I wouldve loved to have done both movies, but it just couldnt happen at that moment. And then, here we are, all these years later, and its this great sort of reconnection.

DiCaprio also expressed his appreciation for finally collaborating with Paul Thomas Anderson, even if it was not on Boogie Nights. One Battle After Another is now available for rental and purchase on digital platforms.

Author: Aiden Foster