Pre-production
Originally Laura Dern and Woody Harrelson were to play the title roles. Dern changed her mind, and Harrelson, who had committed to play Benny, broke the commitment to take a role Paramount's film Indecent Proposal. Aidan Quinn was brought in at the last minute to replace Woody Harrelson who had no intention of acting in this film. Unbeknownst to Harrelson, the producer was Donna Roth, the wife of then-Paramount Studios head Joe Roth. A lawsuit later ensued with Winona Ryder who was supposed to play Joon. Depp and Ryder broke up, leaving a space which was filled by Masterson..
Read more about this topic: Benny & Joon