Nicolas Cage came onto the set dressed up with a wig, albino contact lenses and dark sunglasses because he thought this would add more authenticity to the character of two-bit hustler, Eddie. Cage was told that he could dress up however he wanted for his part.
Val Kilmer was initially cast to play the role of Joe. He left the film at the last minute because he apparently didn't get along with the producer. He instead did The Real McCoy (1993). Christopher Coppola accused him of breaking his contract and leaving because he was offered $1 million for "Real McCoy".
The film was dubbed "Dreadfall" by many noted critics.