Kate Winslet Thought She Died After Breaking Record For Time Spent Holding Breath Underwater

Achieving a world record is an extraordinary accomplishment, but it's definitely not worth risking your life for.

Interestingly, Kate Winslet joined the ranks of record-breakers following her role in the 2022 sequel to Avatar, titled "The Way of Water."

For those who have seen the film, it’s clear from its title that the storyline unfolds in an aquatic setting.

And if you've ever watched a movie directed by James Cameron, you’d be aware that he has a penchant for pushing the boundaries of detail.

Kate Winslet broke a record in preparation for her role in Avatar: The Way of Water. Getty Images

Capturing water realistically in movies is quite a challenge, and Cameron faced considerable pressure to get it right in this film.

Throughout the production of "Avatar: The Way of Water," the cast underwent intensive training to perform while submerged in water tanks that were 30 feet deep.

Part of their preparation involved training to increase the duration they could hold their breath underwater.

It's easy to see where this narrative is going.

Winslet, who plays Ronal, the female leader of the ocean community in the film, excelled in this training.

In fact, she held her breath for an impressive seven minutes and 14 seconds.

By achieving this, the British actress set a new record on the set.

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She surpassed Tom Cruise’s previous record of six minutes, which he set during the shooting of "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation."

If you’re skeptical, Winslet reportedly has video evidence to back up her claim.

In an interview with Total Film before the release of "The Way of Water" in 2022, the 48-year-old actress discussed the impact of her record-setting performance.

"I have the video of me surfacing saying, 'Am I dead, have I died?' And then asking, 'What was [my time]?'" she recounted to the publication.

Right after surfacing, she was eager to know her time. 

"I couldn’t believe it... The next thing I say is, 'We need to radio set.' I wanted Jim to know right away," she added.

Winslet also addressed rumors suggesting she was forced into the strenuous challenge, stating: 

Winslet in her Avatar form. 20th Century Studios

"Well, I didn't have to hold my breath for over seven minutes.

"It just so happened that the chance to set a record came up. I wanted to surpass my own previous record of six minutes and 14 seconds.

"And I was like, 'Come on!' So I smashed my own record by a full minute."

And she accomplished this feat with flair — meaning, she did it and lived to tell the tale.

Quite the cinematic achievement, indeed!