 Chiles was cast as Holly Goodhead by chance, when she was given the seat next to Lewis Gilbert on a flight and he believed she would be ideal for the role as the CIA scientist.Jaclyn Smith was originally offered the role of Holly Goodhead but had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts with "Charlie's Angels".Drax's henchman Chang was played by Japanese aikido instructor Toshiro Suga; he was recommended for the role by executive producer Michael G. Wilson, who was one of his pupils.