According to an EW.com article, Brooke Smith auditioned for the role of Clarice Starling. When she heard that Michelle Pfeiffer (a close friend) was also up for the role, "My first response was, 'Oh great, I'll have to play the fat girl in the hole.' And Michelle said, 'You'll be great at that!' I said, 'Thanks a lot!'" Brooke was ultimately cast as Catherine Martin.