Titanic’s Cora Actress Discusses A Heartbreaking Deleted Scene From The Film, And I Understand Why It Was Cut

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The movie Titanic, without a doubt, is among the greatest films from the 90s. The tragic romance between Jack and Rose, combined with the largely authentic portrayal of the RMS Titanic, earned it widespread acclaim for its emotional impact. However, an actress who played one of the ship’s younger passengers mentioned that the movie could have been even more poignant if a deleted scene featuring her character had been included. Upon discovering the details of this young girl’s storyline, it is clear why it was removed from the final cut.

The After We Wrap podcast had Alex Owens-Sarno, the actress who played Cora in Titanic, on to chat about her experience on set among other entertainment industry topics. Even though Cora had a minor role in the film, she is showcased throughout it, including in moments with Jack and Rose. The performer explained that her (almost official) death scene was her most “acting” moment during her time on the James Cameron set. She also noted that this original ending on the tumultuous trip was rejected by a certain population of pre-screeners, saying:

What truly captivated me during my acting journey with the Titanic was undeniably my underwater scene, as it turned out to be quite controversial among many mothers.

The potent deleted scene is bound to impact numerous viewers, including Owens-Sarno. In this heavy moment, I can only imagine how much she pondered on her childhood memories. The fictional character Cora’s (or any of the imaginary children aboard the ship) demise could have served as a tribute to the many young travelers who tragically passed away in 1912. Whether this scene was included in the final edit or not, it’s undeniably heart-wrenching to contemplate.

As a movie enthusiast, I mentioned, turning 36 this year, that it was James Cameron himself who insisted on including that particular scene. To set the record straight, let me clarify that it was actually me, not a stunt double, appearing in the raw footage.

Essentially, Jim had a desire for that particular movie scene, and he executed his own daredevil stunt. When it was screened for test viewers, the response was something along the lines of, ‘That’s not suitable for her.’

In my opinion, the deleted scene carries a strong impact, but it might be too intense for some viewers. It’s intriguing to learn that young Owens-Sarno didn’t seem to have a unique encounter with that moment compared to her older counterparts. I concur with those who feel that Cora’s destiny, whatever it may hold, shouldn’t be shown explicitly. There are indeed many fans of the historic ship and movie who prefer to watch only the first half of Titanic, as they find the second half too heavy-hearted. Adding Cora into the mix could be overwhelming for them.

As an ardent admirer, I confidently predicted that “Titanic” would be a triumph even before it graced our screens, thanks to Eric Braeden – portraying John Jacob Astor IV – sensing its potential. James Cameron’s tribute to the ill-fated voyage of the Wonder Ship not only enlightened countless generations about this significant historical catastrophe but also left an indelible legacy. Today, that legacy endures, while delivering a treasure trove of unforgettable “Titanic” scenes that add depth and beauty to the film.

Discovering fresh insights into the Titanic’s storyline has shed some light on the unknown fate of Cora. What makes this even more intriguing is that Cameron and the production team were open-minded enough to remove the intense scene prior to its release in cinemas. If you’re interested in watching the Titanic unfold, you can stream it using a Hulu or Paramount+ subscription.

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2025-02-19 05:37