Overview

• Excerpts from Jon Landau’s posthumous memoir The Bigger Picture reveal that McConaughey auditioned alongside Kate Winslet in 1996 to assess on-screen chemistry.
• James Cameron asked McConaughey to redo his scene without his signature Texas drawl after the initial screen test.
• McConaughey declined to alter his accent, reportedly saying “No. That was pretty good. Thanks,” which ended his chances for the role.
• The role of Jack Dawson ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performance helped propel Titanic to global box-office success in 1997.
• The Bigger Picture is set to publish on November 4, 2025, offering further behind-the-scenes accounts of Titanic and other blockbusters.