Anjelica Huston wanted Rosie O'Donnell to play the title part. After O'Donnell turned it down, Huston decided to play the part.

Several sources claimed that Rosie O'Donnell might play Mrs. Weasley. One report said that O'Donnell offered to play the role for free, but the producers turned her down because they wanted an all British cast.

She turned down the role that went to Kathy Najimy because she did not want to be associated with a character who would harm children.