The Producers (1967 film) replied that Wilder was "a natural comic, you look like Harpo Marx," and said he would cast him as Leo Bloom once he finished the then-titled "Springtime for Hitler." When production arrived, Peter Sellers accepted an invitation to play Leo Bloom, but he never contacted again, so Brooks remembered Wilder, who was about to make his film debut in "Bonnie and Clyde." Wilder received the script to "The Producers" as Brooks visited him backstage during a performance of "Luv," and his co-star Renée Taylor was brought for a brief appearance as Eva Braun. Dustin Hoffman was originally cast as Liebkind.
The Producers (musical) back for one last song, telling the audience that they have to leave ("Goodbye"). The film is set in the year it was released, 1967, while the musical takes place in 1959. Because of this, the character "Lorenzo Saint DuBois", also known as L.S.D was omitted from the show, and Franz took the role of Hitler; Roger takes over the role after Franz breaks his leg. Ulla has a bigger role in the musical, and the overall tone of the musical is more lighthearted with a happier ending. Replacements for Max on Broadway included Henry Goodman, Tony Danza, John Treacy