 Jon Finch (qv) was originally cast as Kane but on the first day of  shooting, he looked extremely ill. Medics were called and  Jon Finch (qv) was immediately taken to hospital where it was  discovered that he had an extreme case of diabetes.  Ridley Scott (qv) knew that John Hurt (qv) was in town, so he  approached him that night about playing Kane. John Hurt (qv) was  on set the following day.