Lerner's replacement by Bricusse gave Harrison the chance to sit out his contract. For the role of Bumpo, Sammy Davis Jr. was hired, but Rex Harrison demanded that Davis be fired from the project as he wanted to work with "a real actor, not a song-and-dance man." In his place, he suggested Sidney Poitier despite the fact that Poitier was not a musical performer. Jacobs and Fleischer flew to New York to meet with Poitier who accepted the part only on one condition: to personally meet with Bricusse. The two then met with Davis Jr. who was performing at the Majestic Theatre to inform him that he would be released from his contract. Angered at the casting change, Davis Jr. threatened to go public and personally sue Harrison. The next day, Poitier considered leaving the role as he did not want to betray Davis Jr., but eventually stayed in the role.