Turned down what became the Oscar-winning role of Sir Thomas Moore in master director Fred Zinnemann's epic of the clash between More and Henry VIII.

Guinness was the studio's original choice to play Cardinal Wolsey.

Heston wanted the role of Thomas More, but the producers never considered him as a candidate.

O'Toole was the studio's first choice to play Henry VIII.

Executives at Columbia Studios wanted Olivier to play Sir Thomas More, but director Fred Zinnemann was adamant that Paul Scofield recreate his stage performance in the film.