 The only cast member who would initially commit to the project was  Geena Davis (qv). Michael Keaton (qv), Winona Ryder (qv),  Catherine OHara (I) (qv), and Sylvia Sidney (qv) all said no at  least once. Producer David Geffen (qv) convinced Michael Keatons  manager to convince Michael to meet with director  Tim Burton (I) (qv). Once Michael said yes, Tim Burton personally  called Sylvia Sidney and begged her to do the movie, and he flew out  to meet with Catherine OHara to convince her as well.