Humphrey Bogart (Rick) was already a star, who played roles in: The Maltese Flacon(1941), Dead end(1937), and Midnight(1934). Warner Bros. had repetitively cast him as a gangster/villain role with no intention of raising his profile, and even lied about his birthday as they couldn’t see a villain being born on Christmas day. He was was under contract for $550 a week by Warner Bros.

Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa) was already a star, featuring in films such as: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde(1941), and Intermezzo(1939). Bergman was offered a studio contract and placed under director Gustaf Molander. She played a lot in relationship dramas.

Paul Henreid (Victor) was already a star, featuring in films such as: An Englishman’s home(1941), and Goodbye Mr Chips(1939). He was under contract with Warner Bros. however after the war his contract was cancelled. Paul was a romantic lead in his roles.

Conrad Veidt (Major Strasser) was already a star who featured in films such as: The man who Laughs(1928), and Waxworks(1924). He fled from Germany and became influential on American movies, also playing very menacing roles.

Sydney Greenstreet (Signor) was already a star who featured in films such as: They Died with Their Boots On(1941), and The Maltese Flacon(1941). He was signed in a long-term contract with Warner Bros.

Peter Lorre (Ugarte) was already a star who featured in films such as: M(1931), Mad Love(1935), and The Maltese Falcon(1941). He was already contracted under Warner Bros. on a picture-by-picture contract until 1943. He played in comedic roles and as a romantic type.