 The producers did not initially want Richard Burton (I) (qv) to  play Martin Dysart, due to his reputation for alcoholism and  overacting. Media reports indicated Marlon Brando (qv) and  Jack Nicholson (qv) were interested in the part. Burton was forced  to make _Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)_ (qv) before they would  relent.