 When James Coburn (qv) (who had been offered roles in  Sergio Leone (I) (qv)s _Per un pugno di dollari (1964)_ (qv) and  _Cera una volta il West (1968)_ (qv)) was offered the role of Sean  by Leone, he was initially reluctant. He had dinner with  Henry Fonda (qv) (star of _Cera una volta il West (1968)_ (qv))  and asked him what he thought of Leone. Fonda told him that he  considered Leone the greatest director he ever worked with. Coburn  then took the part.