I read from some website that Chris O'Donnell and Matthew McCanaugy(not sure about the spelling, the guy from movie "contact") had competed with Leo for Jack Dawson's role. I would love to hear other's opinion about them. I still believe Leo is the best for this role, he is so fresh, innocent-looking, free-spirited and stylish, perfect for an artist. I liked Chris O'Donnell for the role he played in "scent of woman" and "circle of friends". But I feel his look has changed these years, style is different from before too. Regarding Matthew Mc.., I liked him in " A time to kill", but I feel his strong southern accent will kill Jack Dawson's artistic style, though his size may looks more compatible with Kate's. Leo is relatively skinny compared with her, I have to admit. She does look like his elder sister in the movie. If there is already a disscussion about this suject in this group, I would appreciate if anybody would let me know how to find it.

-- april cheng (aprilcheng@hotmail.com), February 13, 1998

Answers

Keanu Reeves was also considered but I think the movie itself made a very good use of Leonardo DiCaprio. Kate is British and required somebody a partner who could be more young and not so famous yet. I guess they made a good couple, they were friends and the chemistry worked well.

-- Dan Draghici (ddraghic@ccs.carleton.ca), February 13, 1998.

I think Leo is an excellent actor and did the part justice. But I thought Kate looked much older than him (she looked about 25, and he looked about 17). Of course, she was also excellent in the role. However, I heard that Ethan Hawke was also considered. I personally think he seems too gutless to play Jack. I would have liked to see someone like Johnny Depp play the role. Very artsy, rebellious, and romantic. Yet perhaps not a different enough foil for

-- Carla Rieger (crieger@rogers.wave.bc.ca), February 24, 1998.

I was shocked when I learned Kate was younger than Leo! I though for sure she was at least 5 years older. 23 he is. Whew. He don't look his age, I can say that for sure. But that may be good whn he turns 50.

-- Lyss (dcfarms@clear.lakes.com), April 13, 1998.