Auditions for the lead role of Sarah began in England in April 1984. Helena Bonham Carter auditioned for the role but was passed over in favour of an American actress. Monthly auditions were held in the US until January 1985, and Jane Krakowski, Yasmine Bleeth, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marisa Tomei, Laura Dern, Ally Sheedy, Maddie Corman, and Mia Sara all auditioned for the role. Out of these, Krakowski, Sheedy, and Corman were considered the top candidates. Fourteen-year-old actress Jennifer Connelly "won Jim [Henson] over", and he cast her within a week. Henson states that Connelly was chosen, as she "could act that kind of dawn-twilight time between childhood and womanhood". Connelly moved to England in February 1985, in advance of the film's rehearsals, which began in March. Connelly discussed her understanding of her role with Elle magazine that the film is about "a young girl growing out of her childhood, who is just now becoming aware of the responsibilities that come with growing up".
Auditions for the lead role of Sarah began in England in April 1984. Helena Bonham Carter auditioned for the role but was passed over in favour of an American actress Monthly auditions were held in the US until January 1985, and Jane Krakowski, Yasmine Bleeth, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marisa Tomei, Laura Dern, Ally Sheedy, Maddie Corman, and Mia Sara all auditioned for the role. Out of these, Krakowski, Sheedy, and Corman were considered the top candidates. Fourteen-year-old actress Jennifer Connelly "won Jim [Henson] over", and he cast her within a week. Henson states that Connelly was chosen, as she "could act that kind of dawn-twilight time between childhood and womanhood". Connelly moved to England in February 1985, in advance of the film's rehearsals, which began in March. Connelly discussed her understanding of her role with Elle magazine that the film is about "a young girl growi.ng out of her childhood, who is just now becoming aware of the responsibilities that come with growing up".