 According to Robert Evans in his memoirs Warren Beatty (qv) was  approached to play Gatsby but wanted to direct the film and  suggested Evans play the role himself. Jack Nicholson (qv) was  offered but rejected the role because he didnt believe  Ali MacGraw (qv) to be appropriate casting for Daisy (she was  later replaced with Mia Farrow) and Steve McQueen (I) (qv) was  also considered and rejected for the role.