Anjelica Huston has stated that she was "desperate" to read for Zeffirelli's film, but her father had her cast in 'A Walk with Life and Death' instead.

Director Franco Zefferelli originally wanted Paul McCartney (The Beatles) for the part of Romeo. McCartney turned him down for two reasons. One, he didn't think he was good enough of an actor to take on Shakespeare and two, the Beatles were recording their classic album, "Sgt. Pepper" at the time of filming in 1967.