Bancroft turned down the role of Chris MacNeil (the mom) because she was pregnant.

When she was working as a model, Kim Basinger auditioned for the role of Regan McNeill.

Peter Bogdanovich offered to direct, turned down as it wasn't his type of genre.

The studio wanted Brando to play Father Merrin but Friedkin felt he was too big a star.

Carol Burnett was considered to play "Chris MacNeil".

Jamie Lee Curtis auditioned to play Regan.

Auditioned for the role of Regan McNeil.

She turned down the role of Chris MacNeill.

According to an interview, Melanie Griffith tested for the part of Regan.

William Friedkin wanted her for the role of the Mother. She would accept if the film was shot in Rome, where she was living at the time. It was shot in the U.S.

Turned down the chance to acquire the screen rights to William Peter Blatty's novel and also turned down the chance to direct the film when another producer bought the rights to the property.

Turned down the role of Regan McNeil because she didn't like the script. William Friedkin decided she was too old.

Declined the role of movie star, mother "Chris MacNeil."

Paul Newman was considered for the role of Father Karras.

Nicholson was considered to play Father Karras before Jason Miller landed the role.

Geraldine reportedly turned down the part of Chris MacNeil.

Auditioned to play "Regan MacNeil".

Lee Remick was considered to play the mother.

According to Panorama magazine, the director didn't give Brooke the part because "she was too sexy."

Was one of the clients who were considered for the role of Regan.

Barbra Streisand declined the role of the mother (Ellen Burstyn role).

Raquel Welch was considered to play the mother, "Chris MacNeil".