Originally, Steve Martin was cast to play Barney Coopersmith, with Arnold Schwarzenegger playing the role of Vinnie Antonelli. However, Schwarzenegger was soon thereafter offered the role of Det. John Kimble in Kindergarten Cop (1990), and left the production. Failing to find another suitable "Vinnie" for Martin's Coopersmith, Martin offered to take on the role of Vinnie himself. Producers agreed, and then cast Rick Moranis as Coopersmith, who had originally been considered for the role, but was unavailable until then.

Stuntman visible when Vinnie jumps behind stacks of wood at the ballpark during the Christmas anecdote. He is visible in the bottom as Vinnie stands up with a gun.

Warner dubbed the line "f--k you", as said by Steve Martin whilst shopping, for all PG-rated British versions, so that it became "up yours". The stronger version has, however, been shown on network TV in the UK, on Channel 5. The original obscenity was restored in the 2008 12-rated DVD.

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Darkman/Wild at Heart/Pump Up the Volume/My Blue Heaven/The Witches (1990)