NEWYou now have the option to listen to news articles!
Matthew McConaughey was once considered for a major role in a popular movie from the 1990s.
In an excerpt from “Titanic” producer Jon Landau’s memoir, “The Bigger Picture,” it was revealed that McConaughey auditioned for the role of Jack Dawson in the award-winning film.
“We brought him in to do a scene with Kate [Winslet] to test for chemistry – not just how they looked on film, but how they interacted,” Landau wrote. “Kate was impressed with Matthew, his presence, and charm. Matthew performed the scene with his Texan drawl.”
After McConaughey completed the scene in his Texas accent, director James Cameron reportedly asked him to try it a different way, but the actor declined, saying, “No. That was pretty good. Thanks.”
“That was the end of McConaughey’s involvement,” Landau recalled in the book.
The role ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio, who became an international star and heartthrob after his performance as Jack Dawson.
McConaughey has previously spoken about his audition experience for the film, expressing his initial belief that he would secure the role.
Winslet, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film, described McConaughey’s audition on “The Late Show” as “completely fantastic,” but acknowledged that the dynamic between the characters would have been different if he had been cast.
Despite missing out on “Titanic,” McConaughey’s career flourished, with an Academy Award win for “Dallas Buyers Club” and an Emmy nomination for “True Detective.”
McConaughey also debunked rumors that he turned down the role of Jack, confirming that he was never actually offered the part.
“Not true. I was never offered that role,” he stated. “I did not receive the offer.”
