Angela Bassett was considered for the lead role but turned it down.

Wes Bentley got the role of Sonny but later dropped out.

Whitney Houston was considered and at one point had the role of Leticia but didn't want to do the nude scences saying "it direspected her and her daughter, and she would not go that far just to win an Oscar!"

Queen Latifah was considered for the lead role.

Vanessa Williams turned down the lead role. She didn't want to do the nudity.