Producer Hal Wallis and playwright Tennessee Williams visiteed Audrey at her home in Switzerland in 1955 to discuss casting her as Alma in the film version of Williams' play. Negotiations soon broke down and Geraldine Page finally starred in the film six years later, repeating her stage role.

In an AFI interview, Katharine Hepburn says that she was interested in playing Alma in this film, but producer Hal Wallis reportedly would not pay what she asked.

According to Jon Krampner's "Female Brando: The Legend of Kim Stanley," producer Hal Wallis originally offered the part of Alma to Stanley, who refused. He then chose Geraldine Page, creater of the role on stage.