Sophia Loren was always meant to star in Two Women and Anna Magnani (an Italian stage and film actress who was known for her explosive acting and earthy, real-life portrayals of characters)  was going to play the lead.
Sophia Loren was always meant to star and there was some talk that the film might be financed by Paramount, with whom Loren had made a number of movies. Anna Magnani was going to play the lead and Loren was going to be her daughter. Anna Maria Magnani (Italian pronunciation: [anna maani; 7 March 1908  26 September 1973) was an Italian stage and film actress. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of Italian and World cinema, she was known for her explosive acting and earthy, real life portrayals of characters. 
