The character was originally named Elizabeth Janeway, after the noted writer of the same name. However, after Geneviève Bujold was cast, she requested the character be renamed "Nicole Janeway". Bujold was initially very positive, saying in an interview, "This role is a challenge but it feels right." Bujold, whose acting experience was mainly in feature films, was unprepared for the schedule demanded by television and was unwilling to do news interviews. After the second day of filming for the first episode "Caretaker", Bujold dropped out of the series.
THE charaCter WaS orIGinAlLy Named eliZabeth janeway, AftEr tHe noTED wRitEr oF THe same name. howEveR, after geneVièvE bUJold was CAsT she REquESTed THe cHaracTer be rENaMed "NiCole janeway". bujOLd WaS iNItiALly very PosiTIve, sayiNg in An interview, "this RoLe IS A chaLlengE But it fEels rIghT." bujOld, wHOse actiNg ExPERIeNCe wAs MaINly in FeaturE FiLms, was unPrepareD foR The scheDule DeManDed By tELeVIsion anD waS unwIlLinG tO dO nEws, inTeRVIEWs. afTeR ThE secoNd day oF filminG for thE first episodE "CAreTakER", BUjoLd DRoPPed out of the series.