Movies

Titanic could have looked very different as Claire Danes explains why she turned down role after Romeo + Juliet


Claire has revealed why she turned down Titanic

When it was released in 1997, Titanic was an absolute box office hit and has continued to be one of the most-loved films of all time. But that doesn’t mean Claire Danes regrets turning down the lead role.

The star was thought to be in the running for the lead of Rose DeWitt Bukater, opposite her Romeo + Juliet co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Jack Dawson.

Fresh from the set of the Baz Luhrmann Shakespearean remake, Claire admitted while her mate Leo was hesitant but ultimately on board joining the blockbuster, she just wasn’t ready for that level of fame.

Speaking on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast this week,Claire said when she was asked if she was offered the role: ‘I think I did. I’m not entirely clear on that. There was strong interest, but honestly, I’d just made this romantic epic with Leo in Mexico City, which is where they were going to shoot Titanic, and I just didn’t have it in me.’

Claire and Leo had just filmed Romeo + Juliet (Picture: 20th Century Fox)

She continued: ‘And I remember, Leo and I shared a manager at the time, and we were there at the office.

And I was on a balcony, which is funny…and Leo had this rental red convertible…and he was kinda going in circles in the parking lot.

‘And I knew he was wrestling with the decision to do that movie or not and he just looked up at me, and he said, “I’m doing it. I’m doing it”.’

Claire, who still had a stellar career despite not starring in Titanic, added: ‘And I could see he wasn’t sure, but he was like, “F**k it, I gotta do this thing”.

Leo went on to star alongside Kate Winslet (Picture: Rex Features)

‘And I looked down on him going, I totally understand why you are doing it. And I’m not ready for that. And I think I really wasn’t ready for it.’

But she doesn’t regret the move. Not at all.

‘I was just really clear about it,’ she said. ‘I wasn’t conflicted, I wasn’t.’

The movie ultimately went on to be one of the most successful of all time, scoring $2.1billion (£1.6bn) at the box office and taking home 10 Oscars, including best picture and best director for James Cameron.

Kate Winslet was also nominated for best actress.

Could it have been Claire? We’ll never know. And honestly, it doesn’t seem like she’s losing any sleep over it.

She probably would have let Leo on the door, though.



Got a showbiz story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Brad Pitt makes another Titanic dig at Leonardo DiCaprio during Golden Globes speech: ‘I would’ve shared the raft’

MORE: Blockbusters Titanic, ET and Love Actually are even better with a live orchestra





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.