Rocco Freda was not originally cast for the role of Sam or The Subconscious. Comedian Frank Gallo was originally offered and accepted the role, but later was unable to attend the first day of shooting in Asbury Park, NJ to play the embodiment of The Subconscious. Unable to find a replacement actor in time, the character was changed to a disembodied voice, and all of the scenes and lines for The Subconscious went on as planned. Gallo was still offered to portray Sam and do the voiceover work at a later date, but due to unforeseen circumstances he could not do that as well. At that time, Rocco Freda was being asked to assist on the score for the film, and thankfully accepted the additional offer to act in it as well.