Matthew McConaughey in the Titanic? Before Titanic became one of the biggest films in history, its lead role nearly went to someone else. In 1995, James Cameron set out to tell a sweeping romantic story set against the sinking of the Titanic. With Kate Winslet already cast as Rose, the studio was heavily leaning toward Matthew McConaughey as Jack. But Cameron had one name in mind — Leonardo DiCaprio. At the time, the studio wasn’t convinced. DiCaprio was known for smaller, dramatic roles, and th