Nicolas Cage auditioned to play Dally. When he didn't get that role, he was offered (but turned down) the role of "Two-Bit."

Auditioned for the role of Ponyboy.

Kilmer turned down the role of Ponyboy because of previous commitment.

Mickey Rourke made a good impression during the casting of "The Outsiders" but wasn't quite right for any of those parts. Coppola then cast him for the follow-up "Rumble Fish."

Helen Slater was considered for the role that Diane Lane later played.