This image was the main reason why the producers initially refused to consider Cox for the part. Cox continued to lobby the studio as she felt she could believably play the character; her efforts ultimately succeeded. Actresses Melinda Clarke and Rebecca Gayheart auditioned for the role of Tatum Riley, before Rose McGowan was cast. The casting director believed _she_ best embodied the ``spunky'', ``cynical'' but ``innocent'' nature of the character. <sep>, Pronoun: she <sep>, A: Rebecca Gayheart <sep>, B: Rose McGowan