Matthew McConaughey nearly starred in one of the most iconic films of the ’90s, Titanic, but a new excerpt from the memoir of producer Jon Landau suggests that the actor’s decision to retain his Texas accent during the audition cost him the lead role. According to the memoir, which was obtained by Matthew Belloni’s What I’m Hearing newsletter, Landau recalled bringing McConaughey in to audition with Kate Winslet for the scene that would become a pivotal moment in the film. While the chemistry between the two was praised, McConaughey refused to drop his distinctive drawl, which allegedly led to him being passed over for the role.
Director James Cameron reportedly asked McConaughey to try a different take, but the actor allegedly responded that his initial performance was sufficient. Landau wrote that after this exchange, McConaughey was out of the running, and the role was ultimately given to Leonardo DiCaprio. This marked a defining moment in DiCaprio’s career, as his portrayal of Jack Dawson earned him international fame and set the stage for his future success. However, McConaughey has since denied the rumor, stating that the story is not factual and that he was never offered the part. He even asked James Cameron to confirm that he was never considered for the role.
McConaughey has spoken about his audition process in the past, telling Rob Lowe during a 2021 interview on his podcast that he believed he had a strong chance of getting the role. He described the audition as feeling like a screen test, and while the actors were praised for their chemistry, he was ultimately not cast. Winslet, who later received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Rose Dewitt Bukater, recalled the audition on The Late Show, calling it ‘completely fantastic.’ She also acknowledged that the film’s dynamic would have been different if McConaughey had been cast, noting that the ‘Jack and Rose, Kate and Leo’ romance would not have been the same.
Despite missing out on the lead role, McConaughey’s career continued to thrive. He went on to win an Academy Award for his role in Dallas Buyers Club and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on True Detective. His refusal to change his accent during the audition has since become a notable anecdote in Hollywood history, highlighting the importance of authenticity in acting. For McConaughey, the experience served as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in film, ultimately leading to greater success elsewhere in his career.