 Charlton Heston (qv) was originally considered for the role of  Sgt. J.J. Sefton, but when the script was altered to make the  character less heroic, he was dropped in favor of someone more  suitable for the role. Kirk Douglas (I) (qv) stated he was next in  line and declined the part, making William Holden (I) (qv) the  third choice.