‘The Graduate' Almost Had a Very Different Cast

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Mike Nichols Wanted a Very Different Cast for 'The Graduate'

By Adam Grinwald

Published Aug 22, 2023

Robert Redford, Jeanne Moreau, and others nearly changed the film completely.

Image by Annamaria Ward

The Graduate is a brilliant examination of loneliness and alienation in young adults, and the cast is impeccably chosen.
Significant changes to initial cast lists are common in the industry, and the final ensemble of The Graduate couldn't be topped.
Dustin Hoffman almost missed out on the role of Benjamin, but fortunately, he auditioned and nailed the part. Anne Bancroft also wasn't the first choice for Mrs. Robinson, but she delivered a career-highlight performance.