Juliette Binoche was considered to star when Nicole Kidman dropped out.

Angelina Jolie was considered for the lead role.

Kidman was to have taken the role of Hana Schmitz once she'd finished Australia, but pregnancy prevented her from taking the role.

Kate Winslet was Stephen Daldry's original choice for the role of Hanna. However, she originally turned down the role due to a scheduling conflict with REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.