 The role of Katherine Thorn was originally offered to  Rachel Weisz (qv) who declined because she was pregnant at the  time. Other actresses considered for the part were  Laura Linney (qv), Hope Davis (I) (qv) and Alicia Witt (qv),  before Julia Stiles (qv) who finally got the part. Stiles and  Mia Farrow (qv) were both in a play together, and Stiles suggested  to director John Moore that they use Farrow for the role of Mrs.  Blaylock (Damiens nurse). Initially Moore didnt think that Farrow  would accept the role, but Stiles convinced him she would.  Eventually he just rang up Farrow at her home and offered her the  part.