Daryl Hannah completely blew my mind. Word came from her agent that she wanted to be in the film. I reacted stupidly, thinking, do I really want a mermaid in this movie? Then, the agent called back and said that Daryl would come in and read for the part. This got my attention right away. I said there must be something she’s reacting to very strongly in the part if she’s willing to come in and audition.

I can’t stress how unusual this is. Most successful actors will not audition; they feel it is humiliating. Yet Daryl came in very calm and professional without a trace of desperation, and I felt an immediate respect for her. Her reading was so amazing I gave her the part right there in the audition room.

She dove headfirst into the role, enjoying it and taking huge risks. I never knew what she was going to do next. At times, her ferocity was startling in the most thrilling way.

(photo from Getty Images)