According to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dino De Laurentiis decided to produce this film because he needed quick cash for his long gestating project Total Recall (1990). At that time, he owned the rights to the film. The failure of this film to make adequate money (only $16 million) resulted in De Laurentiis' bankruptcy and Recall's sale of rights to Carolco.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stated on his website that he enjoyed working on this film. He particularly enjoyed working with director John Irvin ("a real actor's director", in his own words). He also said that by the time he finished this picture, he was a better actor.
In an interview to promote the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger said this was the first film where he got to wear an elaborate and modern wardrobe. He said that before this role, his wardrobe budget for a film was about "10 dollars".
Arnold Schwarzenegger only agreed to star in this picture after much haggling in exchange for dissolving his multi-picture agreement with Dino De Laurentiis. He had one picture left with the producer and was actually very interested in doing Total Recall (1990), but De Laurentiis objected, feeling that he was not suitable for the lead role of Quaid. Instead, Patrick Swayze was already cast before the bankruptcy.
Originally intended to be called "Let's Make A Deal."
Sven-Ole Thorsen: Arnold Schwarzenegger's friend and frequent collaborator appears as a bodyguard towards the end of the film.