Leonardo DiCaprio is a highly acclaimed actor who has captivated audiences with his remarkable performances on the big screen. With a career spanning decades, DiCaprio has established himself as one of the most talented and versatile actors in the industry. Known for his immersive portrayals of complex characters, he has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.

One of The Revenant star’s most acclaimed movie performances is included in the 2010 science fiction action film, Inception. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film became a mega-hit, solidifying DiCaprio’s presence in the industry. But little did anyone know that this major role was offered to Brad Pitt and Will Smith first. Though it appears like Nolan is pretty happy with the two-star’s decision to turn down the role as it gave room to cast Leonardo DiCaprio who provided some valuable input to the original script.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Christopher Nolan

Brad Pitt And Will Smith Rejected The Offer To Star In The Blockbuster Film, Inception

When Christopher Nolan was assembling the cast for Inception, he initially offered the script to A-list actors Brad Pitt and Will Smith. However, Nolan’s approach came with a sense of urgency, requesting a response within 48 hours. But both Pitt and Smith turned down the offer to star in the film. An insider gave a further glance into the matter claiming that celebs like Pitt and Smith are habitual of making people wait for years before making up their minds to take up the role.
“It’s never couched as, ‘Hey, I’m more important than you, therefore just say yes,’ They invent kabuki reasons for why they need an answer, but [the stars] are getting jammed. [Stars like Smith and Pitt] are used to having people wait a year or more [before they commit to a project.] They don’t usually have to board a moving train.”
Brad Pitt

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Constructive Influence on Inception

After passing on Pitt and Smith, Christopher Nolan turned to Leonardo DiCaprio for the lead role of Dom Cobb, which in the end came out to be a good deal for both the director and the actor. Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement proved pretty useful in shaping the film. During the development process, he suggested changes to the original script, advocating for a more character-based direction. The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star’s input helped transform Inception into a more resonant and layered film.
“I was working on a more superficial version…I was still trying to approach it from a genre perspective. Leo [DiCaprio] encouraged me to push it in a more character-based direction, more about the relationship. It made a huge difference. It was a fraught, difficult process…but it was very productive. I think he made it a more resonant film.”
Will Smith
The collaboration between the director and the actor proved fruitful, leading to a creative synergy that elevated the final product. Inception exemplifies the creative collaboration and meticulous decision-making that have become hallmarks of filmmaking.

Inception is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter; Twitter