Overview

• Jon Landau’s posthumous memoir The Bigger Picture, excerpts published on August 7, offers the most detailed account yet of Titanic’s casting decisions.
• Matthew McConaughey screen-tested opposite Kate Winslet and received praise for his presence and on-screen chemistry during the filmed audition.
• When James Cameron asked McConaughey to redo the scene without his Texas accent, the actor declined and was immediately removed from contention.
• Leonardo DiCaprio secured the part after agreeing to Cameron’s demand to read his lines and demonstrating strong chemistry with Winslet in the same screen test.
• McConaughey’s rejection led to key roles in Contact and later Dallas Buyers Club, illustrating how a single casting decision can reshape an actor’s career trajectory.