Actor Steve Bastoni was cast in the role of patriarch Steve Parker. Bastoni's agent contacted him and asked if he would consider joining the cast of "Neighbours". He agreed to the role after struggling to find work following his move to Melbourne from Sydney with no prospects. Bastoni called the role "a little gift from God". He previously appeared in the serial as bank teller Alex Baxter in 1985. Bastoni admitted to feeling surprised by the pace of filming, saying "I was very shocked at how fast they shoot it all, and I wasn't prepared for the speed and volume of what you churn through every week." This contributed to the actor "mellowing out" following his arrival in Melbourne for the role.