In his upcoming memoir The Bigger Picture, the late Titanic producer Jon Landau reflects on Matthew McConaughey’s unsuccessful audition for the role of Jack in the iconic, Oscar-winning disaster film, noting that the Interstellar star wasn’t exactly “king of the world” material back in the mid-’90s.
We brought him in to do a scene with Kate [Winslet]. You want to check for chemistry — not just how people look on film, but how they interact.
Landau writes in an excerpt published by Puck
Landau states that Winslet, who portrayed Rose in the film, was “taken” by McConaughey’s “presence and charm,” though director James Cameron was far less enthusiastic about his audition.
Matthew did the scene with the drawl. ‘That’s great,’ said Jim [Cameron]. ‘Now let’s try it a different way.’ Matthew said, ‘No. That was pretty good. Thanks.’ Let’s just say, that was it for McConaughey.
Landau writes of the actor, referring to his signature natural Texas twang
Representatives for McConaughey and Cameron did not promptly respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
Read More: New Channel 4 Documentary, ‘Titanic Our Secret Histories’ to Explore Untold Stories of Passengers
The True Detective actor shared his excitement about auditioning for Titanic in a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
I wanted that. I auditioned with Kate Winslet. Had a good audition. Walked away from there pretty confident that I had it. I didn’t get it. I never got offered that.
he said of the part, which ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio
Winslet briefly reflected on working with McConaughey during a 2017 appearance on The Late Show.
Auditioned with Matthew, which was completely fantastic. It just wouldn’t have been the whole ‘Jack and Rose, Kate and Leo’ thing.
the actress said, noting that the movie would have been “completely different” if he’d been cast instead of DiCaprio.
Cameron admitted that while the Titanic team appreciated McConaughey’s audition, they ultimately favored DiCaprio’s.
The Matthew thing has become mythic. But I just want to say, ‘Matthew, if you’re watching, are we good? It wasn’t me, man. I didn’t spread this rumor.’
Cameron said during a 2019 interview on The Tonight Show (via The Wrap)
In 2021, McConaughey clarified that his effort for the role involved a screen test rather than just an audition, and he dismissed the “not factual” rumors that he turned down an offer to play Jack.
I asked Cameron about this because the sort of gossip over the years that I had heard and would see written about me was that I had the role of Titanic and turned it down. I never got offered that as far as I know, I’m telling you. I did go have a good screen test [and] thought I had the role, but did not get the role.
the actor said on the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe.
McConaughey isn’t the only A-lister who missed the chance to play Jack Dawson. Paul Rudd revealed he auditioned for the role, motivated by his father’s lifelong fascination with the ill-fated ship.
Ethan Hawke also tried to land the part but said he’s glad he didn’t reach the superstar level the film gave DiCaprio. Christian Bale reportedly auditioned as well, according to a biography by his former assistant.
Source: EW