Kurt Russell has stated that this is his favorite of all his films, and Snake Plissken is his favorite of his characters.
The opening narration, and the computer's voice in the first prison scene, were provided by an uncredited Jamie Lee Curtis.
Kurt Russell pitched himself hard for the role of Snake Plissken, as he was very keen to shake off his Disney image.
Steven Ford: The Secret Service agent attempting to break into the cockpit of Air Force One at the beginning of the movie is the son of former President Gerald Ford.
John Carpenter: [names] Minor characters Cronenberg, Romero, and Taylor, named after fellow science fiction and horror directors David Cronenberg, George A. Romero, and Don Taylor.