Contributed by: A. Paul Melin
Kurt Russell was initially cast as Navarre. Richard Donner wanted Rutger Hauer to play the role of Marquet. Hauer loved the script but wanted the lead. Just before principal filming began, Russell left the project (it was said he and Donner had creative differences.) and Donner was in desperate need of a leading man. Hauer thankfully accepted it, actually driving 2000 miles in two days to take the part.