The One Line In 'Titanic' That Leonardo DiCaprio Really, Really Didn't Want to Say

If it were down to Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic's most cringeworthy iconic and amazing quote may not have happened, and that would have been a TRAVESTY, Leo, and maybe even sadder than Jack's untimely demise. (We're imagining Kate Winslet had a similar feeling about her line: "I want you to draw me like one of your French girls." Not that we don't love it, Kate.)

According to the film's Oscar-winning director James Cameron, the actor really wasn't keen on shouting the line: "I'm king of the world", but he got told to "f**king sell it" by the boss, so that was that, and movie magic was made.

The moment was, of course, on the deck of the ship with his lovable betting buddy Fabrizio.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1's Ali Plumb, James recalled: "The point is, it [the line] was made up on the spot. Made up on the spot and I was in a crane basket.

"And we were losing the light, and we had tried this and tried that, and we'd tried this line and that line, and nothing was really working.

"And I was literally coming up snake eyes, and I was like, 'I've got one for you, just say I'm the king of the world. And just spread your arms out wide and just be in the moment, and just love it and celebrate the moment.

"And he [Leo] goes, 'What?!' I'm getting this over the walkie talkie. Just say, 'I'm the king of the world, and you have to sell it.'"

When Leo questioned the line again, James recounted telling him to "just f**king sell it!", and he did, making film history.

Did you know: It could have very nearly been Matthew McConaughey reciting the line. The actor recently revealed that he went for the role of Jack and thought he had it in the bag. "I went and auditioned for that. I wanted that," the star told The Hollywood Reporter.

"I auditioned with Kate Winslet. Had a good audition. Walked away from there pretty confident that I had it. I didn't get it. I never got offered that."

Let's face it, it was only ever going to be Kate and Leo...

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE HERE