Leonardo DiCaprio Turned Down the Iconic ’90s Movie That Made Mark Wahlberg a Star

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Many famous movie roles almost went to different actors. It’s common for stars to turn down parts due to other commitments or simply not seeing the potential. For example, Tom Selleck had to pass on Indiana Jones because of his work on Magnum P.I., which opened the door for Harrison Ford. Similarly, Will Smith didn’t think The Matrix would be a hit and chose Wild Wild West instead, ultimately giving Keanu Reeves the opportunity to become a major star.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg are both major stars today, but early in their careers, their paths crossed in an interesting way. DiCaprio famously passed on the role that ultimately made Mark Wahlberg a household name: Eddie Adams, also known as Dirk Diggler, in the movie Boogie Nights.

The Reason Leonardo DiCaprio Turned Down ‘Boogie Nights’


New Line Cinema

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights tells the story of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), a young man whose life changes after being discovered by adult film director Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds). Eddie becomes a porn star named Dirk Diggler during the 1970s heyday of the adult film industry in Los Angeles. When it was released, the film sparked controversy for its frank and honest depiction of the adult film world, including its use of sex, drugs, and the exploitation of performers.

Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t afraid to take on challenging roles, and that was true even with the controversial film Boogie Nights, which ultimately became a big hit. Despite its R-rating, the movie earned $49 million with a $15 million budget – a significant achievement. Beyond financial success, Boogie Nights became a cultural touchstone that people still talk about today. However, DiCaprio didn’t play Dirk Diggler because he was already committed to filming Titanic, creating a scheduling conflict.

As a huge movie fan, I was fascinated to learn that Leonardo DiCaprio actually regrets not being in Titanic! It’s wild to think about, considering how massive that film was and how perfectly suited he seemed for the part. He recently shared this with Esquire in August 2025, while he was promoting his new movie, One Battle After Another. When they asked him if there were any roles he wished he’d taken, he said…

Even though you’re here, I have to say my biggest career regret is turning down the role in Boogie Nights. It really captured the spirit of my generation. I honestly can’t picture anyone else playing that part – Mark Wahlberg was perfect. When I finally saw the movie, I thought it was a true masterpiece. It’s funny that you’re the one asking me about it, but it’s absolutely true.

Where to Watch ‘Boogie Nights’


New Line Cinema

As Leonardo DiCaprio noted, Boogie Nights continues to deeply resonate with audiences who remember when it first came out, making it a truly important film. The movie boasts a terrific cast and a standout performance from Mark Wahlberg, ensuring its bold themes remain both engaging and thought-provoking even now. If you haven’t seen Boogie Nights, it’s well worth checking out, or it’s definitely worth watching again if you have.

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2025-12-07 20:06