 While Kushner continued adapting the play until the late 1990s, HBO Films stepped in as producer, allocating a budget of $60 million.Brokaw gave Mike Nichols the script while he was working with him on "Wit" (2001) starring Emma Thompson, who also co-adapted the play of the same title.The principal cast, including Meryl Streep, Pacino, and Thompson, having recently worked with Nichols, was immediately assembled by him.