Despite DiCaprio's well-known role in the hit TV show "Growing Pains," he originally auditioned for a different character in the movie, rather than landing the lead role of Tobias. Reflecting on this experience, De Niro expressed his admiration for DiCaprio's talent to the film's producer, Art Linson:
"I casually mentioned to Art, 'That kid was truly fascinating.' However, I didn't strongly advocate for him. I simply acknowledged that the kid possessed something special. Ultimately, they ended up casting Leo for the part."
In the movie, DiCaprio played the character of Tobias, a teenager of 15 years. His mother, Caroline (played by Ellen Barkin), takes them to Washington state seeking a more stable life and becomes involved with Dwight Hansen (De Niro), a man who offers them some security. However, as time passes, Dwight's darker side emerges: he becomes cruel, verbally abusive, and directs his anger towards the young Tobias, constantly humiliating and demeaning him. Three years after the release of "This Boy's Life," De Niro and DiCaprio both starred in the 1996 drama "Marvin's Room" alongside Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Their latest collaborative project, the book-based film "Killers of the Flower Moon," narrates the heart-wrenching true tale of the Osage Reign of Terror.
"Killers of the Flower Moon," has 10 nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards. These nominations include Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Actress (Gladstone), and Best Supporting Actor (De Niro). "Killers of the Flower Moon" can now stream it exclusively on Apple TV+.
Source: Yahoo