 Between 1994 and 1996, Ben Stiller (qv) was set to direct this  film with Nicolas Cage (qv) to star. When Cages salary began to  affect the films overall budget, Stiller walked away. The reins  were then given over to John Dahl (I) (qv) who later left the  project to be replaced by director John Boorman (qv). Meanwhile,  Emma Thompson (I) (qv) was considering the part of Sarah Mitchell  but, after a while, declined. Finally, Thomas signed on and Raimi  replaced Boorman and production was set to go... three years after  the rights were sold to Mike Nichols for a reported $250,000 (U.S.)  "against" $750,000.