Huppert has said in a few interviews that she auditioned for the role and later regretted not fighting for it.

Huston was one of many actresses considered for the Holly Hunter role.

Jennifer Jason Leigh was offered a chance to meet with Jane Campion to read for the part of Ada, but she couldn't make it because she was shooting Rush at the time.

Weaver was director's first choice to play Ada but she was taking a break from films at the time.