It’s hard to believe, but it has been 25 years since Titanic hit the big screen and became an instant cultural phenomenon. Directed by James Cameron, the 1997 epic wasn’t just another movie—it was an event. The film captivated audiences with its heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, set against the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, which claimed over 1,500 lives. Beyond the awe-inspiring visuals and iconic performances, Titanic was a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the first film to ever surpass $1 billion at the box office. It catapulted Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet to international stardom and solidified its place in cinematic history. But while the love story of Jack and Rose is unforgettable, the secrets behind the scenes are just as fascinating. From near-casting misses to outrageous pranks, and even a real-life lobster chowder mystery, the making of Titanic is filled with moments as dramatic as the movie itself.

Almost Another Rose: The Casting Choices That Could Have Changed Everything

Before Kate Winslet earned her career-defining role as Rose DeWitt Bukater, a host of Hollywood stars were considered for the part. Imagine this—Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even Sharon Stone were on the shortlist to play the wealthy, spirited socialite. However, it was Kate’s determination and persistence that won her the role. She reportedly wept while reading the script and sent James Cameron a rose and a note reading, “I’m ready.” She even called him personally to plead her case. It worked, and her performance became one of the most iconic in film history. As for Jack Dawson, the choices were just as surprising. Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and even Jeremy Sisto of Clueless fame were considered for the role. In the end, it was Kate herself who helped seal the deal for Leonardo DiCaprio. Meeting him at the Cannes Film Festival, she convinced him to join the project, saying, “Let’s do this together.”

Behind-the-Scenes Icebreakers: Kate and Leo’s Unlikely Friendship

The chemistry between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio was undeniable, both on-screen and off. Their bond started with an unexpected moment of vulnerability—Kate accidentally flashed Leo during one of their first encounters on set. Instead of embarrassment, it became a hilarious icebreaker. “I was having my makeup put on—with nothing on—and there was Leo,” Kate recalled. “He saw me and said, ‘Whoa!’ And I said, ‘We’re going to spend the whole day like this, so we might as well get over it now.’” From there, the duo developed a unique friendship. Between takes, they would huddle under a blanket in Leo’s trailer, sharing personal stories and even exchanging advice about relationships and sex. “He’s very good at giving tips,” Kate joked.

Leo’s Water Woes: Conquering a Hidden Fear

Ironically, Leonardo DiCaprio had a secret fear of water while filming Titanic. Starring in a movie about a sinking ship while dreading water scenes could have been a disaster, but the crew helped him overcome it. Buckets of warm water and endless encouragement eased his fears. By the end of filming, Leo had transformed into a “total fish underwater,” according to James Cameron, even performing somersaults during underwater scenes.

Pranks and Laughter: Keeping Spirits High on Set

Despite the intense filming schedule, the set of Titanic wasn’t without its lighter moments. Leonardo DiCaprio, then in his early twenties, couldn’t resist playing pranks. One of his favorites involved farting into his jacket and then playfully covering Kate’s face with it. Rather than getting offended, Kate would burst out laughing, much to everyone’s amusement. Billy Zane, who played the villainous Cal Hockley, later said, “Grossing Kate out was purely Leo’s job, and he was very good at it.”

Unexpected Scandals: The Lobster Chowder Incident

As the shoot drew to a close, an unexpected and bizarre incident unfolded. Around 50 cast and crew members fell ill after consuming spiked lobster chowder laced with PCP, also known as angel dust. Among those affected was Bill Paxton, who played Brock Lovett. He described the ordeal as terrifying, saying, “One minute I felt okay. The next minute I felt so goddamn anxious I wanted to breathe in a paper bag.” The incident sparked wild conspiracy theories, including one involving an angry chef, but the true culprit remains a mystery to this day.

The Iconic Door Debate and Starry Night Adjustments

No discussion of Titanic is complete without addressing the infamous “door debate.” Fans have long argued whether Jack could have fit on the door that saved Rose. Even Kate weighed in, recently admitting that while Jack could physically fit, the door wouldn’t have stayed afloat with both of them on it. Another interesting detail involves the night sky Rose gazes at after Jack’s death. In the original release, the stars were scientifically inaccurate for the time and location of the sinking. After astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson pointed out the error, James Cameron corrected it for the film’s 2012 re-release.

The Heart of the Ocean: A Personal Touch from James Cameron

One of the most memorable moments in Titanic is Jack sketching Rose wearing nothing but the Heart of the Ocean necklace. But did you know it wasn’t Leonardo DiCaprio who drew the portrait? James Cameron himself created the now-iconic sketch, showcasing his multifaceted talent. In 2011, the drawing sold at auction for over $16,000.

Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” Almost Didn’t Happen

It’s impossible to think of Titanic without its hauntingly beautiful theme song, “My Heart Will Go On.” But surprisingly, James Cameron initially wanted the soundtrack to feature only instrumental music. Celine Dion’s involvement almost didn’t happen until composer James Horner convinced her to secretly record the song. The rest is history—her heartfelt performance brought the film’s emotional core to life, and the song became a timeless classic.

A Legacy That Lives On

Even 25 years later, Titanic remains a cinematic masterpiece. From its record-breaking box office success to the enduring friendship of its stars, the film continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Its behind-the-scenes stories, filled with humor, drama, and surprises, only add to its legendary status. As we celebrate this milestone, one thing is clear—Titanic is more than a film; it’s a legacy.