Johnny Depp Says He Couldn’t Get Through the Titanic Script, Though He Expected a Hit

Johnny Depp once had the chance to consider playing Jack Dawson in Titanic, but he says his encounter with the screenplay quickly put him off the project. The part eventually went to Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performance alongside Kate Winslet helped make the film a defining hit of the 1990s. Depp recalled struggling to get through the opening pages. “I struggled with reading about 15 pages of the Titanic script. It was awful. I mean, I couldn’t take it,” he said, describing why he did not pursue the role. The account does not suggest he formally accepted the part; rather, he had the opportunity to read the material before the casting decision was made. Despite his reaction to the screenplay, Depp said he could see the film’s commercial prospects. “I knew Titanic was going to be a huge hit,” he remarked. The movie went on to become a global phenomenon, while DiCaprio’s turn as Jack became one of the most recognizable performances of his career. Several other actors were reportedly considered for the role before DiCaprio was chosen, including Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Chris O’Donnell, Christian Bale and Paul Rudd. Director James Cameron ultimately cast DiCaprio in the part, and the film’s love story between Jack and Rose became a lasting piece of popular culture. Depp’s career took a different route, with roles in films such as Edward Scissorhands, Donnie Brasco and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as his much-loved portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The article also says Depp has left open the possibility of returning to the pirate series, telling Entertainment Tonight he would be willing to work again with longtime producer Jerry Bruckheimer if the franchise continued.