After developing the film for years with Dustin Hoffman, he ended up not directing.

Chevy Chase auditioned, but didn't get a part.

Cher was also up for the role of Julie Nichols but Sydney Pollack ultimately cast Jessica Lange.

Sydney Pollack wanted Dabney Coleman to play the agent, but Dustin Hoffman insisted that Pollack play the role himself; Coleman was cast as the chauvanistic soap opera director Ron instead.

Buddy Hackett wanted to play the role of the agent and it was he who brought the screenplay (an early version of it) to the attention of executive producer Charles Evans.

George Hamilton was to play the lead in an early version of the screenplay when producer Bob Kaufman was attached.

Polly Holliday was Dustin Hoffman's choice for Rita, the seasoned soap opera producer; Sydney Pollack prevailed in casting Doris Belack.