According to a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Hollywood icon Mark Wahlberg had a unique experience while auditioning for the historic movie ‘Titanic.’
Key Takeaways:
– Mark Wahlberg almost landed the role of Jack Dawson in ‘Titanic,’ which ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio
– In an unusual twist on the typical audition process, Wahlberg was more intrigued by James Cameron’s Hummer than the script during his audition
– Wahlberg concedes he failed to focus on the audition, instead guiding Cameron on a ride around town in his Hummer
– Despite missing out on the ‘Titanic’ role, Wahlberg believes he landed the roles he was genuinely suited for
Wahlberg’s Unexpected Audition Tactics
Mark Wahlberg, renowned for blockbuster hits like ‘The Departed’ and ‘Ted,’ had an unconventional approach to his audition for the all-time hit ‘Titanic.’ Wahlberg mentioned on the podcast that his interest was piqued more by James Cameron’s Hummer vehicle than the potential lead role in one of the biggest films in cinema history.
Wahlberg reflected on that encounter, expressing his excitement at meeting Cameron. Impulsively, he inquired if the parked Hummer belonged to the famed director, and upon confirmation, he eagerly asked for a drive in the vehicle. This unusual request led him to go for a joy ride with Cameron, an act that likely raised questions about Wahlberg’s degree of focus.
Wahlberg’s Titanic Miss and Positive Outlook
While it’s up for debate whether Wahlberg’s focus on the Hummer contributed to him losing out on the ‘Titanic’ lead role, the actor concedes he didn’t even get to read the script during the audition. Notably, he shared the audition stage with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jared Leto. However, the actor remains grateful despite missing out on the cinematic milestone.
Wahlberg expressed that he was merely “meeting for stuff” and didn’t mind auditions. He believes that fortune favored him by guiding him to roles that he was genuinely suited for, a belief validated by his successful Hollywood career across Comedy, Drama, and Action genres.
The Late Late Show: A Revealing Insight
In another revelation on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Wahlberg revisited his ‘Titanic’ audition. He humorously observed that instead of convincing Cameron he was right for the ‘Titanic’ role, he succeeded in persuading Cameron to let him drive his Hummer.
James Corden humorously speculated on why Wahlberg was not cast for ‘Titanic.’ Corden suggested that Wahlberg would not have permitted Jack Dawson’s iconic tragic ending. He quipped that Wahlberg, being the man he is, would undoubtedly have shared the door with Rose, ensuring their mutual survival, something DiCaprio’s character ultimately didn’t.
In conclusion, ‘Titanic’ might have taken a dramatically different route with Mark Wahlberg at the helm. However, destiny played its part, and Leonardo DiCaprio earned the role, sailing the film into cinematic history and record-breaking box office earnings in 1997. Meanwhile, Wahlberg journeyed on, etching his name across multiple genres in Hollywood, proving that every role ultimately finds its perfect match.
