Leonardo DiCaprio discussed the directors he aspires to collaborate with during a candid conversation with Jennifer Lawrence for Variety’s Actors on Actors. The Oscar-winning actor, recognized for his selective role choices, revealed which filmmakers he admires the most and which dream collaborators remain on his wish list.
Leonardo DiCaprio on his ‘white whale’ filmmakers
When Jennifer Lawrence inquired about the directors he is eager to work with, Leonardo DiCaprio referred to them as his “white whales,” reflecting his long-standing admiration for auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson. Although he doesn’t have a specific favorite, DiCaprio highlighted Damien Chazelle, the mastermind behind La La Land and Babylon, as “very talented.” He also commended Michael Mann as “amazing,” suggesting he would love to collaborate with both in the future. (via Variety)
Reflecting on his past with Paul Thomas Anderson, the One Battle After Another actor revealed that he nearly teamed up with the director on Boogie Nights. “We almost did Boogie Nights together, and then I got to watch his entire career progress over the last 25 years and see this incredible visionary.”
For those unfamiliar, Leonardo DiCaprio was initially set to star in Boogie Nights but opted for Titanic instead. When asked about this choice, he explained, “It was a hybrid of that. Titanic and Boogie Nights kind of overlapped in production. Maybe it could have worked out.” Even though it has been over 30 years since he declined the film, DiCaprio has frequently expressed regret over that decision, reminiscing about what could have been a legendary collaboration.
In a separate interview with Paul Thomas Anderson, he described Boogie Nights as a “profound movie of his generation.” He praised Mark Wahlberg’s performance, stating that no one else could have portrayed the character as well. Upon watching it later, DiCaprio realized it was a true masterpiece and acknowledged the irony of discussing regrets with Anderson. “I can’t imagine anyone but Mark [Wahlberg] in it. When I finally got to see that movie, I just thought it was a masterpiece. It’s ironic that you’re the person asking that question [about regrets], but it’s true.”
