This was originally the best film that he had made according to the film's writer-director John Milius until studio interference ruined it. Milius once said: "I, as usual, was attacked viciously but in time it's come to be regarded as one of my best". Milius has also said he believes he originally had made a "great film".
The character of Captain Fairbourne (Nigel Havers) is loosely based on Major Tom Harrisson, commander of Semut 1, Z Force. During World War II, Harrisson parachuted into north Borneo and organized the hill tribes to resist the Japanese occupation troops.
The inspiration for the character of Learoyd (Nick Nolte) was James Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak.
"You wouldn't call 'Farewell to the King' a right-wing establishment movie, it's certainly not in favor of empire. I think this movie is the most honest depiction of my politics. It's also hopelessly romantic: I'm just a romantic fool" said John Milius.
The film was "completely cut to pieces" by studio executives at Orion Pictures according to writer-director John Milius.