Leonardo DiCaprio has shared what he considers his biggest acting regret, reflecting on a missed opportunity that still resonates with him. The acclaimed actor, known for his role in Titanic, disclosed this while promoting his upcoming film One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, slated for release on September 26. The movie features DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary and father who seeks help from old comrades when his daughter disappears.
DiCaprio Reflects on the Missed Role in Boogie Nights
During an interview with the writer-director for Esquire, DiCaprio expressed regret over not participating in the film Boogie Nights. He described it as
“a profound movie of my generation”
and praised Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Eddie Adams, the role DiCaprio declined. He stated,
I’ll say it even though you’re here: My biggest regret is not doing Boogie Nights. It was a profound movie of my generation. 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, but it’s true.
—Leonardo DiCaprio
Examining DiCaprio’s Career Choices and Lost Roles
Leonardo DiCaprio has passed on numerous roles that later became iconic in film history. Among these, he was considered for Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas‘s Star Wars prequel trilogy but declined because he felt it was not the right fit. DiCaprio also turned down the role eventually played by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, reluctant to commit to another large franchise after Titanic. However, his decision to skip Boogie Nights remains his most significant regret, as the 1997 R-rated comedy drama became widely recognized as a classic.
Boogie Nights, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows Wahlberg’s character, a busboy who is discovered by a porn director and rises to fame in the adult film industry. The film earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Screenplay. Although DiCaprio missed working with Anderson back then, the two have reunited over 20 years later for One Battle After Another, signaling a renewed collaboration between actor and director.
The Impact of Missing Boogie Nights on DiCaprio’s Career Path
Leonardo DiCaprio’s diverse filmography spans multiple genres such as sci-fi, action, drama, and period pieces—he has explored nearly every major category except for fantasy, superhero, and comedy until now. Missing out on Boogie Nights may have indirectly led him to accept roles closer to his interests, such as his lead part in One Battle After Another, which broadens his already varied career. Meanwhile, although Mark Wahlberg’s role in Boogie Nights was his breakout performance, he later expressed personal regrets about the film due to his religious views and family considerations.
Introducing One Battle After Another and Its Cast
In One Battle After Another, DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary who reunites with his old friends to rescue his missing daughter. The film delves into themes of loyalty and redemption against a tense backdrop. Alongside DiCaprio, the cast includes Sean Penn as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, Benicio Del Toro as Sensei Sergio, and Regina Hall portraying Deandre. The narrative follows a band of former revolutionaries confronting a returning enemy after 16 years, promising an intense and action-packed storyline set for its 2025 release.
