brad pitt was cast as the violent early grayce, as he had been seeking out a role that was at odds with the wholesome "pretty boy" image he had portrayed in "thelma & louise" (1991) and "a river runs through it" (1992). juliette lewis was cast in the role while still completing production on martin scorsese's "cape fear" (1991), and had been in a relationship with pitt at the time. in the role of carrie, michelle forbes was cast after she completed an audition in los angeles, as sena felt she possessed the cool aloofness of the character. the role of brian kessler was the last to be cast, with david duchovny ultimately receiving the role after several screen tests with pitt, lewis, and forbes.