When director Jonathan Demme was casting for his 1991 classic Silence of the Lambs, he had a number of high-profile actors in mind for the roles of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter. However, some of them turned down the roles that would eventually make Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins household names.
Foster was reportedly Demme's first choice for Starling, but she initially turned down the role because she didn't want to play a victim. She changed her mind after reading Thomas Harris' novel and realizing that Starling is a survivor who uses her intelligence to outwit Lecter.
Hopkins was also Demme's first choice for Lecter, but he initially turned down the role because he found it too gruesome. He changed his mind after reading the script and realizing that Lecter is not simply a monster; he's a complex character with layers of psychology.