“Titanic” is filled with iconic moments that feel as big as the ship itself. Countless couples have recreated Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) pretend flying scene, and that infamously nonsensical door scene is still debated to this day, even though James Cameron has proved why it makes sense. Another moment that lives rent free in the minds of many movie buffs is when Jack shouts, “I’m the king of the world!” It’s a glorious moment that shows the hope that many passengers had before the unthinkable happened, but the film’s best line didn’t come from the actual script.

The genesis of this memorable line from “Titanic” is as intriguing as its impact. James Cameron, the film’s director, revealed in “Movies That Made Me” that the line was a spontaneous creation of his own. Cameron encouraged Leonardo DiCaprio to fully immerse himself in the moment, urging him to embrace and celebrate it. Reflecting on the moment, Cameron recalled DiCaprio’s initial bewilderment, captured over a walkie-talkie on set: “He goes, ‘What?'” Cameron recounted, mimicking DiCaprio’s confusion. “I said, ‘I’m the king of the world,’ just say, ‘I’m the king of the world,’ but you got to sell it.” DiCaprio’s initial skepticism transformed into a performance that has since become legendary.

This pivotal moment not only defines Jack’s character but also sets the tone for the film’s opening. Before the tragic events unfold, the Titanic stands as a marvel of innovation, dubbed the “Ship of Dreams.” Jack’s serendipitous win of a ticket through gambling affords him the opportunity to return to America, a prospect that seemed unattainable due to his financial struggles. For Jack, this moment of triumph feels like being crowned king, symbolizing his newfound hope and opportunity. It also introduces us to his boundless optimism—an optimism that propels both him and Rose forward, even in the face of immense adversity.

Thankfully, DiCaprio pulled it off with a natural enthusiasm that allows the audience to feel Jack’s sudden burst of happiness, which includes the now iconic joyous hollering that punctuates the moment. Cameron believes that this line is only successful because of DiCaprio, and he joked that the actor’s skills could be why his version is more endearing than Cameron’s. “Apparently, that’s what is the difference between myself and Leonardo. He was able to sell the line,” he said.

This moment is extremely important to Jack’s character and the film’s beginning. Before disaster strikes, the Titanic is a symbol of innovation that’s nicknamed the Ship of Dreams. Jack wins his ticket while gambling, and this gives him the chance to go back to America — something that seemed like just a dream to him because of his financial limitations. To him, this truly does feel like he’s been crowned king due to his turn of luck. It’s also our first glimpse at his undying optimism, which keeps him and Rose pushing forward even when the odds are against them.