Leonardo DiCaprio Hated Titanic’s Iconic Dialogue Until James Cameron Urged Him to ‘Sell’ It

Nearly three decades after its release, James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic remains a landmark in cinema history, largely driven by its unforgettable dialogue.

However, Leonardo DiCaprio was initially hesitant about one of Jack Dawson’s most iconic lines—a phrase that ultimately defined his character.

The director told ET that the Wolf of Wall Street actor was not initially convinced by the dialogue.

But he complied with the request after Cameron insisted he must feel the moment and celebrate it.

James Cameron Pushed Leonardo DiCaprio to ‘Be in the Moment’ for His Dialogue

During an interview with BBC’s Movies That Made Me (via ET), James Cameron shared that Leonardo DiCaprio’s “I’m the king of the world” line was not part of the original script.

He shared that the ‘cringe’ yet iconic dialogue was “made up on the spot,” as they failed miserably to come up with a line that resonated with the scene’s emotions.

The Avatar director continued, “I said, ‘Alright, I’ve got one for you.

Just say, ‘I’m the king of the world,’ and just spread your arms out wide and just be in the moment and just love it and just celebrate it and love it.’” But the Inception star was not convinced and said, “What?”

Cameron explained that DiCaprio was not “enthusiastic” to say the line as they were talking over the walkie-talkie.

The 71-year-old recalled, “Just say, ‘I’m the king of the world,’ but you’ve got to sell it!’ And he goes, ‘What?!’ I said, ‘Just f****** sell it.’” He ultimately met the condition, and the rest is history.

The film went on to gross over $2.2 billion at the worldwide box office (via The Numbers) and dominated the 70th Academy Awards, winning 11 of its 14 total.

Additionally, the film became the career-defining work that established him as a household name.

In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he shared that he is “incredibly proud” of the flick, calling it a “huge part of my life.”

He added, “The movie has really made me be in control of my career.”

Leonardo DiCaprio ‘Hated to Get Wet’ During Titanic’s Production

During an interview with the Brisbane Times, James Cameron joked that Leonardo DiCaprio was a Siamese cat who was often trying to get into the water.

He explained that since the 1997 film was mostly about “getting into the water,” it did not matter to the actor.

“The water could be 80 degrees, and it usually was.

We put all the breath in afterwards,” Cameron recalled.

“But he hated to get wet, or he pretended he hated to get wet.”

But when the filming wrapped, it became clear to him that DiCaprio did not have Aquaphobia.

The director explained that on the last day of the shoot, when they had to do an underwater scene, the Oscar-winning actor shared, “I’m a certified scuba diver.”

The veteran director said, “I wanted to wring his neck.

What was all this stuff with the cat and getting into the water?”.