 Tom Hanks (qv) was the first choice to play Josh Baskin but was  unavailable due to scheduling conflicts with the films  _Dragnet (1987)_ (qv) and _Punchline (1988)_ (qv).  Robert De Niro (qv) was then offered the lead role, and was  rejected because his salary demand ($6 million) was too high.  Tom Hanks (qv) then became available and accepted the lead role  for $2 million. David Moscow (qv) was originally cast not as young  Josh, but as Billy, since he didnt look like Robert De Niro (qv).  When Tom Hanks (qv) was given the role, David Moscow (qv) was  recast as young Josh.