De Niro was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

Robert Duvall was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

Louis Gossett Jr. was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

The first choice to play Hannibal Lecter.

First choice to play Hannibal Lector, but had to pass due to illness.

Irons was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

Jacobi said in an interview that he was on the short list of actors considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

Considered for the Jack Crawford role.

Considered for the lead role of Hannibal Lecter.

Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter.

Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the lead role of Clarice Starling.

Was considered for the role of Jack Crawford.

Ryan was considered to play Clarice Starling.

According to an EW.com article, Brooke Smith auditioned for the role of Clarice Starling. When she heard that Michelle Pfeiffer (a close friend) was also up for the role, "My first response was, 'Oh great, I'll have to play the fat girl in the hole.' And Michelle said, 'You'll be great at that!' I said, 'Thanks a lot!'" Brooke was ultimately cast as Catherine Martin.

Emma Thompson turned down the role of Clarice Starling.