Ferguson, a friend of DiCaprio, revealed that his connection to the actor—part of the infamous late-’90s “Pussy Posse” group—helped him secure a chance to audition for the role of Jay Gatsby. However, he admitted the opportunity came with its challenges. “I think they probably just did it as a favor to Leo,” Ferguson said, noting he wasn’t seriously considered for the role, which DiCaprio ultimately played to critical acclaim. The audition followed Ferguson’s role in The Lucky One, another Warner Brothers film, prompting him to ask DiCaprio for help getting his tape noticed by director Luhrmann.
During the process, DiCaprio and fellow Posse member Tobey Maguire assisted Ferguson in preparing, a gesture he praised as “a testament to how awesome those guys are.” Despite their support, the two-hour audition left Ferguson feeling out of his element, facing the scrutiny of Luhrmann and the film’s star-studded cast, including Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton. The experience highlighted the intense pressure of competing for a role in a high-profile adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, which grossed over $353 million worldwide.
Ferguson’s story sheds light on the complexities of Hollywood friendships and the realities of auditions, even for seasoned actors. It also reignites interest in DiCaprio’s early career and the notorious “Pussy Posse,” known for their youthful antics and close bonds in the late 1990s. While Ferguson didn’t land the role, his candid account underscores the camaraderie and occasional awkwardness of navigating fame and ambition in Tinseltown. Fans of The Great Gatsby and DiCaprio’s legacy continue to celebrate the film, now enriched by this behind-the-scenes tale.
