Connery turned down the role of Simon Gruber due to the diabolical nature of the character.

Laurence Fishburne was originally offered the part of Zeus Carver but turned it down. By the time Fishburne had reconsidered, Samuel L. Jackson was already cast.

Producers and director John McTiernan were 100% sold on Thewlis for the part of Simon Gruber. Bruce Willis did not agree and the part went to Jeremy Ironsl.