Nicolas Cage was considered to play John Bender.

Cusack auditioned several times for John Bender, even travelling between Chicago and Los Angeles before being cast. But director John Hughes went in a different direction and dropped Cusack in favor of Judd Nelson, which was heavily influenced by the casting director.

Before taking the role of Andrew Clark, Emilio Estevez was going to play John Bender.

Jodie Foster was considered for the role of Alison.

Rick Moranis was set to play the janitor, but he backed out.

Molly Ringwald really wanted to play Allison but Ally Sheedy had already been promised the part.

According to a 1995 interview, Robin states she auditioned for the role which later went to Molly Ringwald.