Stanley Baker turned down the part of Rufio because writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz had not finished the script. When he changed his mind the next day, Mankiewicz and already cast Martin Landau in the part instead.

Claire Bloom was considered to play the title role.

Before Joe Mankiewicz was hired as director, Rouben Mamoulian was set to direct. He had in mind Dorothy Dandridge to play the lead role.

Yvonne De Carlo was considered to play the lead.

Ava Gardner turned down the film "Cleopatra" according to her biography.

Rita Hayworth rejected the title role.

Vivien Leigh was considered to play the lead role.

Shirley MacLaine was considered to play the lead role.

Lord Laurence turned down the role of Julius Caesar when the mammoth production was restarted in Rome with a new director, Joseph L. Mankiwecz.