Principal photography was completed in the summer of 1991, but the film's post-production lasted over a year. The creative team decided to film more footage with Danny DeVito. However, DeVito had other prior commitments that kept the film from being completed. Director Marshall Herskovitz and producer Bruce Gilbert initially clashed in the editing room, but they ultimately patched up their differences and worked as a team. In July 1992, DeVito's additional scenes were filmed. The film was finished in October, but the studio's Christmas schedule had already been filled, and it ultimately was released in April 1993.
The film had been in development since the late-1970s. Jane Fonda's production company had been involved at one point, Bob Rafelson was considered as a director, and Jack Nicholson was considered as its star.
In 1992, Danny DeVito had played The Penguin in Batman regresa (1992), and Gary Sinise had played George in De hombres y ratoncitos. La fuerza bruta (1992). Both roles were previously played by Burgess Meredith.