Casting What-Ifs
Johnny Depp; Jared Leto; Claire Danes; Jeremy Sisto; Billy Crudup; Gwyneth Paltrow; Winona Ryder; Matthew McConaughey; Enya; Robert De Niro
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:55Read transcript
- Johnny Depp reportedly turned down Jack over the script; Jared Leto was reportedly favored but would not audition, and the actress transcribed as Claire Daines was supposedly wanted for Rose.
- Jeremy Sisto auditioned multiple times and is lamented as never finding the right part; Billy Crudup was considered but was committed to Without Limits.
- DiCaprio excelled in testing, and Winslet reportedly lobbied hard, telling Cameron to pick DiCaprio even if not her.
- Gwyneth Paltrow and Winona Ryder were reportedly in the mix; Paltrow might have been decent but is judged too regal, and Winslet remains the best choice.
- The Cal role was reportedly offered to Matthew McConaughey, who turned it down.
- McConaughey as Cal is judged unworkable; a report that he was also offered Jack is doubted.
- Cameron reportedly wanted Enya for the music before settling on Celine Dion.
- Robert De Niro was reportedly offered Captain Smith but declined due to a gastrointestinal infection; he would have been fun in the role.