Key facts
- John C. Reilly tried to convince Leonardo DiCaprio to turn down 'Titanic'.
- Reilly suggested DiCaprio star in 'Boogie Nights' instead.
- Reilly believed 'Titanic' would not be successful.
Actor John C. Reilly shared on the "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast that he attempted to persuade Leonardo DiCaprio to decline the lead role in the film 'Titanic.' Reilly's efforts were aimed at convincing DiCaprio to instead star in 'Boogie Nights,' a project helmed by his close friend, Paul Thomas Anderson. At the time, Reilly and Anderson were reportedly very close after working together on Anderson's previous film. Reilly expressed his belief that 'Titanic' would not resonate with audiences, stating, 'No one's going to give a s— about who's on the boat.'