Mandy Patinkin was originally cast as Quasimodo in the Disney version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), but dropped out due to clashes with the producer regarding the character. He was cast as Quasimodo in this film, and Tom Hulce was cast to voice Quasimodo in Patinkin's place, in the Disney version.
This put an end to Terry Gilliam's rival plans to film this story with Gérard Depardieu.
A lot of lines said by Quasimodo are taken from the 1939 film starring Charles Laughton, including the famous line, "Why wasn't I made of stone, like thee?". Mandy Patinkin, who played Quasimodo, was inspired by Laughton to play the character.