Dave Chappelle was seriously considered for the lead role, but when Oscar nominee Will Smith expressed great interest in the role they immediately cast him.

达夫·查贝尔是主角的主要考虑对象，但是当获得过奥斯卡提名的威尔·史密斯表示对这个角色有极大兴趣时，剧组立刻启用了他。