The character of Ellen Aim was written as a 28-year-old woman. Gross says they wanted Daryl Hannah but were unable to do a deal in time. Diane Lane read for the part when she was 18. Hill was reluctant to cast her because he felt that she was too young for the role. Hill met Lane in New York City and she auditioned for him in black leather pants, a black mesh top and high-heeled boots. He was surprised with her "total commitment to selling herself as a rock 'n' roll star". The actress had been in more than 10 films by the time she did "Streets of Fire". She described her character as "the first glamorous role I've had". Hill was so impressed with her work on the film that he wrote additional scenes for her during the shoot.