Editing The Bounty (1984 film) (section)

===Casting===
Anthony Hopkins was one of two actors considered for the role of Captain Bligh by David Lean. The other was [[Oliver Reed]]. Hopkins was approached as early as 1978.<ref name="mann">{{cite news|title=THE 'BOUNTY' CASTS OFF ON THIRD VOYAGE|author=Mann, Roderick|work=Los Angeles Times|date=12 June 1983|page=T 23}}</ref>

In April 1980, when David Lean was still attached, [[Christopher Reeve]] was the favorite to play Fletcher Christian. Lean had enjoyed ''Superman'' and [[Katharine Hepburn]] had recommended Reeve to Lean.<ref>{{cite news|title=MOVIES: THEY'RE STANDING IN LINE FOR CHRISTOPHER REEVE|author=Mann, Roderick|work=Los Angeles Times|date=13 April 1980|page=L 23}}</ref> "It's not a remake", said Reeve. "The other versions were just remakes of the first movie. This is the true story based on the diaries of those actually on the Bounty and from the trial of the mutineers. It's the best screenplay I've ever read and it would be an honor and a privilege to accept the part of Christian."<ref>{{cite news|title=HE'S NOT SUPERMAN!|edition=FIRST|author=Kevin Kelly|work=The Boston Globe|date=24 August 1980|page=1}}</ref>

Reeve stayed on the project through the change in director. However he dropped out at the last minute and was replaced by Mel Gibson.<ref name="los"/> Gibson was looking for a project after ''The Night of the Running Man'' at MGM was cancelled. "I liked the idea they were going to show Bligh and Christian as the young men they were", said Gibson. "I also liked the idea of playing a role that [[Errol Flynn]] first attempted."<ref name="mann"/>

The role of [[Peter Heywood]] (who inspired the character 'Roger Byam' in the [[Mutiny on the Bounty (novel)|novel]] and earlier film versions) was originally intended to be played by [[Hugh Grant]].

Tevaite Vernette was spotted at Papeete Airport and offered the female lead. She had to be persuaded and only agreed to play the lead once filming began.<ref name="los"/>