Actor Billy Zane has detailed an incident during the 1996 filming of "Titanic" where an unidentified person laced seafood chowder with PCP, affecting scores of cast and crew members. At least 50 individuals, including director James Cameron and actor Bill Paxton, experienced the effects of the hallucinogenic drug, commonly known as angel dust.
Zane clarified that he was not present during the affected scene, which involved the modern-day portion of the film, as his character Caledon "Cal" Hockley appeared in the period sequences. He mentioned that many affected individuals sought hospital treatment, while Cameron reportedly induced vomiting to counteract the drug's effects. Paxton recounted in 2015 that he and Cameron were among approximately 150 crew members who went to a small hospital in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, after ingesting the contaminated food. Paxton described seeing some people panicking and others behaving erratically, noting that he and Cameron initially suspected a neurotoxin in the clams.
Faced with a crowded emergency room, Paxton opted to return to his accommodation and consume a case of beer, which he felt helped alleviate his symptoms. Zane, speaking on the "Brotherly Love" podcast, also noted that Gloria Stuart, the then 86-year-old actress who played the elderly Rose in the framing device, did not consume the drugged soup. He recounted hearing that those who realized they were affected by the hallucinogen tried to manage the experience, while those unaware were terrified.
Zane humorously suggested that the PCP incident was the "true secret to the success of the film." "Titanic" went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time for 12 years and tied the record for most Oscar wins with 11 Academy Awards. Paxton, who played treasure hunter Brock Lovett in the movie, recalled the chaotic scene at the hospital, with people exhibiting a range of reactions from fear to euphoria.
Zane's character, Cal Hockley, is the wealthy fiancé of Rose DeWitt Bukater, portrayed by Kate Winslet, and serves as a rival to Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film's narrative centers on a forbidden romance aboard the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic in 1912.
