One of cinema's most enduring debates has been reignited by an Oscar-winning director, who has declared that Jack Dawson should not have died at the end of James Cameron's epic romance, Titanic.
The Door Debate: A 28-Year-Old Mystery
For nearly three decades, fans of the 1997 blockbuster have passionately argued that Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Jack, could have avoided his icy fate in the Atlantic if he had simply joined Rose, played by Kate Winslet, on the floating wooden panel. The film, depicting the tragic 1912 maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic from Southampton to New York, sees Jack sacrifice himself so Rose can survive on the makeshift raft after the ship strikes an iceberg.
Now, director Paul Thomas Anderson, who recently worked with DiCaprio on the film One Battle After Another, has weighed in. Speaking this week, the 55-year-old filmmaker said he often wondered why both characters didn't get on 'that f****** door', stating unequivocally: 'There was definitely room.'
Cast and Science Weigh In
This opinion directly contradicts the view of Kate Winslet, who has long defended the film's pivotal plot point on scientific grounds. In 2022, the British actress, who has a keen interest in aquatic physics, explained that while Jack might have physically fit on the door, it would not have remained buoyant enough for both.
'You've heard it here, for the first time, yes he could have fit,' Winslet said. 'But it would not have stayed afloat... I actually don't believe that we would have survived if we had both gotten on that door.' She compared the scenario to two adults on a stand-up paddleboard, noting it would become 'immediately extremely unstable'.
Leonardo DiCaprio, for his part, has typically remained silent on the controversy, reportedly saying 'no comment' when asked.
Anderson's Film Sweeps Award Season
Paul Thomas Anderson's comments come as his latest collaboration with DiCaprio, One Battle After Another, dominates the current awards season. The film swept the 2026 Golden Globe Award nominations, revealed on Monday ahead of the January 11 ceremony, securing an impressive nine nods.
These include nominations for Best Picture in the Musical or Comedy category, Best Director for Anderson, Best Actor for DiCaprio, and Supporting Actor recognitions for Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn.
The success has extended across the Atlantic, with the film also topping the BAFTA longlist with 16 nods across categories including Best Film, Director, and Leading Actor. This is a significant achievement for an American production at the UK's most prestigious film ceremony, which often highlights British talent.
While the fate of Jack Dawson remains frozen in cinematic history, the debate about his survival—sparked anew by a leading director—proves the enduring cultural impact of Titanic, 28 years after its release.
