 Composer Stephen Sondheim (qv), notoriously protective of his  stage works, had long prevented any adaptation of this musical.  Sondheim finally relented when pleased with Tim Burton (I) (qv)s  vision for the film, though the composer maintained veto power when  casting the lead actors. Both Johnny Depp (qv) and  Helena Bonham Carter (qv) had to personally audition for Sondheim,  who nearly rejected Depp, considering his vocals "too rock  oriented."