Most of the film was shot in Oklahoma due to a state tax rebate launched in 2020, and COVID-19 restrictions that were much lighter compared to other states. Filming took place in Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Edmond, and Crescent. Using CGI and special effects, the Oklahoma City Capitol Building was dressed up to look like the United States Capitol Building, and the Temple of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Guthrie doubled for The White House.
Pat Boone is portrayed in one scene. The real Pat Boone is also in the scene, playing Reverend George K. Otis Sr.
Dennis Quaid was 70 years old when the film was released. Ronald Reagan was 69 when he first became president, turning 70 the following month.
The first cut of the film was reportedly 220 minutes (3h 40 mins) long. A version screened for distributors in 2022 was reportedly listed as 160 minutes. It's final runtime is listed as 138 minutes.
In Ronald Reagan's office at the Screen Actors Guild, the most prominent movie poster displayed is Kings Row (1942). Reagan considered it his best work as an actor.