Matthew McConaughey, 55, almost landed the role of Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic,” but lost out due to his Southern drawl. In a new posthumous memoir, “The Bigger Picture” by Jon Landau, the late producer detailed the casting in depth.

Late Titanic producer Jon Landau has claimed that Matthew McConaughey lost out on playing Jack Dawson due to his Southern drawl. The 55-year-old Hollywood star was one of the contenders to play the doomed lover who was ultimately portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio opposite Kate Winslet ’s Rose.

B efore Titanic shattered box office records and turned Leonardo DiCaprio into a household name, another star was circling the role of Jack Dawson, and it was none other than Matthew McConaughey. But according to a new memoir, it wasn’t talent or looks that cost him the part. It was his refusal to let go of his Southern drawl.