After Dustin Hoffman turned down the role of Frank Leibkand, Mel Brooks thought about taking the role himself. However, he felt it would be too much of a chore to produce, direct, and act, so he cast Kenneth Mars.

Had been set to play "Franz Liebkind" but was offered the lead in "The Graduate" instead.

Director Mel Brooks says he first offered Sellers the role of scheming, down-on-his-luck Broadway producer "Max Bialystock."