Kate Winslet’s iconic role as Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic was not always a sure thing. The 1997 blockbuster, which went on to win 11 Oscars including Best Picture, nearly cast someone else as its leading lady due to director James Cameron’s initial hesitations.
Known for her strong performances in period dramas like Sense and Sensibility and Hamlet, Winslet was labeled “Corset Kate” by many in the industry. This typecasting almost cost her the part of Rose. As Cameron, now 69, recalled in a recent interview, “It seemed like lazy casting.” He initially felt Winslet was too entrenched in her reputation for period roles to bring the necessary freshness to Titanic’s vibrant, rebellious socialite.
However, Cameron’s reservations were soon overruled by the undeniable talent and presence Winslet brought to her auditions. “She comes into a room with a great deal of confidence, and she’s got that spark of life,” he acknowledged. Her vivacity and commitment ultimately convinced Cameron that she was perfect for the role.
Winslet, now 48, remembers the period after filming as bittersweet, marked by rumors of tension between her and Cameron. “There’s a part of me that feels almost sad that stupid, speculative Titanic stuff at the time overshadowed the actual relationship I have with him,” she shared in a Variety profile. Despite the gossip, Winslet and Cameron have maintained a solid professional rapport. Winslet reunited with Cameron for Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022, showcasing their enduring collaboration.
“There was never a rift between us,” Cameron clarified. He attributed Winslet’s post-Titanic sentiments to the emotional depth she brings to her roles. “She had a little postpartum depression when she let go of Rose,” he explained. This intense connection to her characters is a hallmark of Winslet’s acting prowess.
Looking back, Cameron believes the film’s success hinged on Winslet and co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, who also faced casting hurdles. “Leo, the studio didn’t want him; I had to fight for him,” Cameron revealed. “Kate really liked him. And then Leonardo decided he didn’t want to make the movie. So then I had to talk him into it… If that had really kind of frayed apart, it would have been somebody else and it wouldn’t have been that film.”
As Titanic celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, its legacy as one of cinema’s highest-grossing movies remains unchallenged, largely due to the chemistry and dedication of its lead actors. Winslet’s career continues to flourish with roles in HBO’s The Regime and the upcoming film Lee, where she portrays WWII photojournalist Lee Miller.
From almost losing the role to becoming a defining face of Titanic, Kate Winslet’s journey with the film is a testament to her resilience and talent in the face of typecasting.
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