 According to Turner Classic Movies, John Boorman (qv) wanted  Lee Marvin (qv) and Marlon Brando (qv) to play Ed and Lewis,  respectively. After reading the script, Marvin suggested that he and  Brando were too old, and that Boorman should use younger actors  instead. Boorman agreed, and cast Jon Voight (qv) and  Burt Reynolds (I) (qv).