By the mid-1990s, Leonardo DiCaprio was already well-respected by critics for his performances in films like The Basketball Diaries and Romeo + Juliet. But it was his leading role in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic that made him a worldwide star and one of the most sought-after actors of his generation. Because of this success, by the early 2000s, DiCaprio could have chosen almost any movie role in Hollywood, but he surprisingly didn’t often join big, popular franchise films.
After the movie The Beach received a mixed response in 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio was looking for a role that would prove he was a talented actor while still being part of a big, popular film. Around this time, George Lucas contacted him with a major offer: Lucas wanted DiCaprio to play Anakin Skywalker in the final two Star Wars prequel movies, and reportedly saw him as his top choice.
Although the role offered huge worldwide attention and a lot of money, Leonardo DiCaprio decided it wasn’t right for him. He later explained that he didn’t feel prepared to commit to such a large science fiction franchise. He realized he wasn’t ready for the intense dedication and public attention that would come with being the lead in the Star Wars series at that point in his career.
It turns out DiCaprio turned down several famous roles while becoming a major star. He mentioned being considered for Robin in Batman Forever and even the lead role in Spider-Man, which ultimately went to his friend Tobey Maguire. He said he had the same feeling about both – a reluctance to wear the superhero costume and join that world.
Rather than pursuing roles as a Jedi or a superhero, Leonardo DiCaprio opted for a career path that truly shaped his future. In 2002, the year Hayden Christensen first appeared as Anakin Skywalker, DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York. This film, where he acted alongside established stars like Daniel Day-Lewis, boosted his reputation and began a long and successful collaboration with Scorsese that continues to this day.
Leonardo DiCaprio continues to be a leading figure during this year’s awards season thanks to his new film, One Battle After Another. The crime thriller, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has received widespread praise and earned DiCaprio a Best Actor nomination at the Golden Globes. He’s been seen celebrating the film’s success with his co-stars, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as it’s been hailed as a critical triumph.
I’m already anticipating Leonardo DiCaprio’s seventh film with Martin Scorsese, and this one, What Happens at Night, sounds incredibly compelling. Based on Peter Cameron’s novel, it’s a psychological drama set in a snowy European town, and the cast is fantastic – Jennifer Lawrence and Mads Mikkelsen are joining DiCaprio. Knowing both Scorsese and DiCaprio’s track records, this is shaping up to be another significant and ambitious project for DiCaprio, and I’m excited to see what they create when production begins in February 2026.
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2026-01-30 13:45