Matthew McConaughey has long been rumored to have turned down the lead role in James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster film "Titanic" because he refused to change his Southern accent. But, in a recent appearance on the Hello Sunshine podcast "The Bright Side", McConaughey set the record straight, claiming that this rumor is entirely false.
According to McConaughey, there was never any discussion about changing his accent for the role, and he was not even offered the part. The role of Jack Dawson ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio, who had already established himself as a rising star with films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Romeo + Juliet".
McConaughey remembered being asked if he would have wanted the role and been disappointed by not getting it, to which he replied that he had wanted it, but there were many other jobs out there that he also wanted. McConaughey pointed out that DiCaprio was reportedly paid $2.5 million for his role in "Titanic", while he himself earned $2 million.
It's worth noting that McConaughey has previously spoken about his audition process for the film, telling Rob Lowe during a podcast appearance that he never got offered the part. However, it appears that there was some confusion over the years about whether or not McConaughey had actually been considered for the role.
Regardless of how the story might have unfolded, "Titanic" went on to become a massive box office hit, grossing over $1.84 billion worldwide and making awards history with 14 Academy Award nominations and 11 wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron.
According to McConaughey, there was never any discussion about changing his accent for the role, and he was not even offered the part. The role of Jack Dawson ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio, who had already established himself as a rising star with films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Romeo + Juliet".
McConaughey remembered being asked if he would have wanted the role and been disappointed by not getting it, to which he replied that he had wanted it, but there were many other jobs out there that he also wanted. McConaughey pointed out that DiCaprio was reportedly paid $2.5 million for his role in "Titanic", while he himself earned $2 million.
It's worth noting that McConaughey has previously spoken about his audition process for the film, telling Rob Lowe during a podcast appearance that he never got offered the part. However, it appears that there was some confusion over the years about whether or not McConaughey had actually been considered for the role.
Regardless of how the story might have unfolded, "Titanic" went on to become a massive box office hit, grossing over $1.84 billion worldwide and making awards history with 14 Academy Award nominations and 11 wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron.
he always said he never got offered it anyway 
and btw leonardo dicaprio was already a big deal at that point 
the real question is what if he had taken the role? would we've seen different movies from him or still the same guy we know today 
he's so iconic in that role anyway! but i love how he set the record straight on this rumor... it just goes to show how much misinformation can spread around 
i mean we all thought he was gonna be jack dawson lol but honestly who wouldve taken that role over leo di caprio? 
anyway its awesome that mcconaughey spoke up about how much he wanted the part, and btw thats like a 1 million dollar difference lol 
. I mean, Leonardo DiCaprio was already a hotshot at that point, and McConaughey has been known for his charming drawl since, like, forever 
. It's cool that he cleared up this rumor, though – it's always good to set the record straight 
. But can you imagine him playing Jack Dawson with a thick Southern accent? 
It wouldn't have worked out, I guess. Still, it's wild to think about how different the movie would've been if McConaughey had taken on that role 
.
Anyway, it's always interesting to look back at what could've been... McConaughey was definitely on fire in the 90s and early 2000s.
. You gotta admire his confidence and honesty, right? And let's be real, Titanic is still an iconic film to this day - who wouldn't want to be a part of it? 
anyway i'm loving leo di caprio's response in this situation too - that $2.5 million paycheck must've been a nice consolation prize 
and Dawson's character is literally legendary 
but it's still fun to see McConaughey set the record straight on social media 
! I mean who hasn't wondered about what could've been if they'd been in a massive blockbuster movie 
. He had that certain charm and energy that's hard to replicate 
. Plus, it's awesome to see McConaughey moving forward with his career 
- he's had an amazing run of films from "Dazed and Confused" to "Mud" to "Dallas Buyers Club". That guy can act! 
McConaughey was always a bit of an underrated actor back in the day, but he's still got that laid-back charm that makes him so lovable. I'm surprised they didn't offer him the part, honestly - he would've totally brought some serious chemistry to the film.