The storms of doubt and dispute that swirl around the production of some iconic films are often only recognized in retrospect. Leonardo DiCaprio, for example, almost traded his greatest success for a role as a porn star. And shortly afterwards he stole a role that had already been promised to Ewan McGregor, so that McGregor then spent 10 years in a clinch with the director lag: We’re talking about The Beach – available to stream on Disney+.
Leonardo DiCaprio sparks years-long feud in iconic role
As director Danny Boyle admitted in 2013 (via Digital Spy ), he had suggested to McGregor for a long time that he would play the lead role in the drama about the decline of a mysterious island commune. And then he turned to Leonardo DiCaprio, because it seemed more advantageous for his own career.
We have [Ewan] treated badly. We mediated [ihm] the impression to cast him in the lead role, which we didn’t. We cast another great actor, Leonardo DiCaprio. They’re both great. […] You have this illusion that you’re on the up, so you think you need a bigger star. But you quickly learn to stick to your old ways.
At the time of filming The Beach, McGregor had already made three successful films with Boyle (including Trainspotting) and considered himself a regular actor. As a result of the rift, the two did not speak to each other for over ten years – a fact that the actor now regrets (via The Independent ):
I was arrogant back then. It felt like a badge: I am Danny Boyle’s actor! That was 18 years ago now, and I just mourn the moviesthat we [wegen dem Streit] did not do it. Dispute over Leonardo DiCaprio finds a conciliatory end
After a decade of silence Apparently McGregor was the first to reach out his hand, in which he gave a eulogy to the director: On the occasion of the Slumdog Millionaire success, he declared that he admired his courage, loved him and missed him (via Indie Wire ). Danny Boyle recapitulates:
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Someone asked him to give me an award. He agreed and gave this incredible speech. And I cried behind the scenes.
The reconciliation seems to have paid off. T2 Trainspotting was their fourth film together and was a critical and financial success. Unlike The Beach, which was a critical flop and earned DiCaprio a nomination for the Golden Raspberry.
Whether this is deserved is up to each individual to decide. McGregor fans should not be too angry with the Boyle nest robber: Without him, one of the most touching moments of reconciliation in recent film history.
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