The plot is similar to a real-life incident that happened in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003, depicted in Evil Genius (2018). The writers said they had "vague knowledge" of the case before writing. The victim's sister publicly lambasted the film, saying she doesn't think it's funny "to laugh at the innocent who are victimized by criminals, who care nothing for human life."
The restaurant for which Jesse Eisenberg drives is a real restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the film takes place. It is called Vito's Pizza, as shown in the movie. As of January 2024, it is still in business.
In the credits, there is a final video where you can see the advertising of the tan local "Major Tan". A website was really created on January 26, 2011, for the movie.
The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2009 Blacklist; a list of the "most liked" unmade scripts of the year.
The restaurant where Travis and Dwayne eat tacos is Taco Boy, a real restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As of January 2021, it is still in business.