 Ron Howard (I) (qv) always wanted Audrey Tautou (qv) for the  role of Sophie, but she was never available for an audition. She  also originally felt too young to play opposite Tom Hanks (qv).  After some convincing from Howard she auditioned. Other actors that  auditioned for the role: Sophie Marceau (qv),  Virginie Ledoyen (qv), Judith Godrèche (qv), and  Linda Hardy (II) (qv)