Tony writes in his 2008 autobiography that he asked his friend, director Blake Edwards to cast him in the role of writer Paul Varjak but Mel Ferrer didn't want his wife, Audrey Hepburn to make a movie with him, so Edwards declined his services.

Audrey Hepburn was unfamiliar with Frankenheimer's work and therefore uneasy about his abilities, so the director was paid off and a new director brought on.

Shirley MacLaine turned down the lead role of Holly Golightly.

Virginia Mayo was considered for the supporting part of Mrs. Failenson, but Neal was cast. Mayo thought Neal was better in the role than she would have been.

McQueen was offered the role of Paul 'Fred' Varjak but had a previous commitment.

Monroe was replaced by Audrey Hepburn for the lead role.

Kim Novak turned down the lead.