John C Reilly urged Leonardo DiCaprio to turn down 'Titanic' for 'Boogie Nights'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor John C. Reilly has revealed that he once tried to persuade actor Leonardo DiCaprio to turn down director James Cameron's 'Titanic' and instead star in Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Boogie Nights.'

Speaking on Ted Danson's 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name' podcast, Reilly reflected on the casting process behind Anderson's acclaimed 1997 drama and shared how he personally lobbied DiCaprio for the lead role before he ultimately chose 'Titanic.'

Why Paul Thomas Anderson wanted Leonardo DiCaprio for 'Boogie Nights'

Reilly explained that working on 'Hard Eight,' Anderson's 1996 directorial debut, led to a close friendship between the two. “We were thick as thieves,” Reilly said, adding that he did “everything” possible to help 'Boogie Nights' get made.

At the time, however, the film faced resistance because of its subject matter. According to Reilly, it “was thought of as taboo,” and many actors, managers, and agents were reluctant to become involved with the project. Before Mark Wahlberg was cast as Dirk Diggler, Anderson had his sights set on DiCaprio for the role.

Reilly, who had worked with the actor on 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' was confident he could convince him.

“Before Mark was asked to do the movie, Paul really wanted DiCaprio to do it,” Reilly recalled, adding, “And I had already done 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' with Mary [Steenburgen] and Leo, and I knew Leo. I met him when he was 17."

He continued, "And I was like, ‘Give me the assignment, Paul. I'll get this guy to do your movie. I've known him since he's a kid.’”

John C Reilly recalls warning Leonardo DiCaprio about 'Titanic'

When Reilly met with DiCaprio, the actor had already been offered the role of Jack Dawson in 'Titanic.' He then attempted to convince him that 'Boogie Nights' was the better opportunity.

“And I was like, ‘Listen, Leo, let me tell you something. That movie Titanic is about a boat that sinks. Everyone knows the boat sinks. No one's going to give a s--- about who's on the boat,’” Reilly remembered. He also pushed DiCaprio to consider Anderson's future as a filmmaker.

He said, “And I was like, ‘This guy, this director, is going to be one of the most talented film directors going forward, and you should not miss this opportunity.’” 

According to Reilly, DiCaprio was conflicted because his agents believed 'Titanic' was going to be “a really big movie.” Reilly nevertheless continued making his case.

“And I was like, ‘I'm telling you, man. I'm telling you, I wouldn't give you a bum steer here. It's about a boat that sinks.’”

DiCaprio ultimately chose 'Titanic,' which became a global phenomenon and turned him into one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Looking back, he described the experience as potentially “a blessing and a curse,” saying that level of fame was “a lot for a young man.”