 Marlon Brando, Rock Hudson, Geoffrey Horne, and Leslie Nielsen were also offered the role, as were a number of muscular, handsome Italian actors (many of whom did not speak English).Kirk Douglas was interested in the role, but was turned down in favor of Heston, who was formally cast on January 22, 1958.His salary was $250,000 for 30 weeks, a prorated salary for any time over 30 weeks, and travel expenses for his family.