Scorsese reportedly discussed the Sean Dignam role with Ray Liotta before Mark Wahlberg was cast

ATRightMovies says Scorsese discussed the role of Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam with Ray Liotta, who was unavailable. Denis Leary and Ethan Hawke were also reportedly considered before Mark Wahlberg was cast. Wahlberg later said he and Scorsese “didn’t have a great relationship”; the account says the role brought him his first Oscar nomination and that he was the only cast member nominated.