In the Jezebel DVD commentary, film historian Jeannine Basinger says Goulding was first attached to the film, but Jack Warner thought his approach was too old-fashioned. Goulding had previously directed Bette Davis and Henry Fonda in That Certain Woman in 1937.

The film star and star of the stage version of the tale of the tempestuous Southern belle thought her contract specified that she would star in the movie version. It only said she would be "considered."

In the Jezebel DVD commentary film historian Jeannine Basinger says Anita Louise was considered for the part of Amy Dillard.

On the Jezebel DVD commentary, film historian Jeannine Basinger says Franchot Tone was considered for the part of Pres Dillard, and Henry Fonda was cast just one week before production began.