John C. Reilly has revealed that he once tried to persuade Leonardo DiCaprio to turn down Titanic in favour of starring in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights, arguing that the historical disaster film would not resonate with audiences the way many expected.

Speaking on Ted Danson’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, Reilly recalled his close relationship with Anderson after working together on Hard Eight and said he was confident he could convince DiCaprio to join the filmmaker’s next project.

“I met him when he was 17,” Reilly explained. “And I was like, ‘Give me the assignment, Paul. I’ll get this guy to do your movie. I’ve known him since [he was] a kid.’”

Reilly, who had previously worked with DiCaprio on What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, remembered making a passionate case for Boogie Nights.

“’ Listen, Leo, let me tell you something. That movie ‘Titanic’ is about a boat that sinks. Everyone knows the boat sinks. No one’s going to give a shit about who’s on the boat,” Reilly recalled telling the actor.

He also championed Anderson’s talent, saying: “‘This guy, this director, is going to be one of the most talented film directors going forward, and you should not miss this opportunity.’”

Despite Reilly’s efforts, DiCaprio ultimately chose James Cameron’s Titanic after hearing from his agents that it was likely to become “a really big movie.”

“And I was like, ‘I’m telling you, man. I’m telling you, I wouldn’t give you a bum steer here. It’s about a boat that sinks,” Reilly added.