gene hackman's name did not appear on the film's release poster. hackman joined the film late, when it was already well into production, because the producers had originally wanted to change the gender of the character and cast meryl streep, until author john grisham objected and hackman was eventually cast. tom cruise's deal with paramount already stated that only his name could appear above the title. hackman also wanted his name to appear above the credits, but when this was refused he asked for his name to be removed completely from the poster. hackman's name does appear in the beginning and end credits.