Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most recognized and respected actors in Hollywood, known for his versatile roles. And guess what? Even he has regrets.
During a conversation for Esquire with acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, DiCaprio looked back on his journey and revealed that his biggest career regret is rejecting ‘Boogie Nights‘ nearly 30 years ago. Not many know, Leonardo was first offered the role of Eddie Adams, the high-school drop out who becomes one of the porn industry’s most popular stars under the name Dirk Diggler. The role eventually went to Mark Wahlberg.
“It was a profound movie of my generation. I can’t imagine anyone but Mark in it. When I finally got to see that movie, I just thought it was a masterpiece,” said DiCaprio.
Boogie Nights (1997) pic.twitter.com/5bn67YmwqM
— PTA frames (@ptasframes) August 10, 2025
Anderson wanted Leonardo in ‘Boogie Nights‘ after watching him in 1995’s ‘The Basketball Diaries‘. When he turned down the role, DiCaprio recommended Wahlberg. The rest, as they say, is history!
Why he rejected ‘Boogie Nights‘? The actor had to turn down the offer because he had signed on to star in James Cameron’s ‘Titanic‘, alongside Kate Winslet.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO IN TITANIC WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST BLESSINGS TO OUR GENERATION pic.twitter.com/2XMfWTVm9F
— tash (@lostsoultash) December 12, 2017
On the work front, DiCaprio is set to star in Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another‘, which will be released on September 26, 2025.
Plot: When their enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own’s daughter.
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