 Paramount Pictures originally wanted to cast Cher (I) (qv) in the  role of Madrukas. Director Martin Brest (qv) refused so Paramount  then suggested Robin Williams (I) (qv). Williams was eager to play  the part and was willing to screen test. But Brest was so impressed  with the way that Charles Grodin (I) (qv) and Robert De Niro  worked together that he cast Grodin against the wishes of the  studio. Paramount dropped out and Universal Studios stepped in to  produce the film.