Nicolas Cage was considered for the role of Gordon Tall.

Kevin Costner was turned down for the role of Gordon Tall.

Depp was reportedly considered for a role.

Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly considered for a role.

Hanks reportedly declined the role because he had chosen to do Saving Private Ryan.

Brad Pitt was auditioned for the role of Pvt Witt.

Julia Roberts was considered for the role of Marty Bell.

Mickey Rourke shot a segment of the film that was deleted in the final cut. He was in the credits with a special thanks. Also cut were Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Sheen, Viggo Mortensen, Gary Oldman, Bill Pullman and Lukas Haas.