 Casting the lead role of Cliff Secord was a struggle for the filmmakers . Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg even had one of the studio 's then @-@ staff writers , Karey Kirkpatrick , audition for the part . Kevin Costner and Matthew Modine were the first actors considered for the role . When they both proved to be unavailable , Dennis Quaid , Kurt Russell , Bill Paxton and Emilio Estevez auditioned for the part . Johnny Depp was Disney 's favorite choice , while Paxton commented he came " really close " to getting the lead . Vincent D 'Onofrio turned down the role and the filmmakers were forced to continue their search . 
