Betty White almost turned down her role in the film because filming would require her to spend ten weeks away from her golden retriever.
Julia Roberts was the first choice to play Margaret but reportedly refused to take a pay cut, so Sandra Bullock took over the role. That was the second movie in the same year in which Roberts was offered a leading role and turned it down, with the role going to Bullock. The other movie was The Blind Side (2009), which won Bullock a Best Actress Oscar.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds initially felt awkward shooting their nude scene, however they have both said they quickly became comfortable with it, despite sometimes having their protection falling off. Bullock told Entertainment Tonight she has no problem with the nudity. "This film needs my nudity to be funny."
As Margaret grows progressively warmer throughout the film her hairstyle goes from a slick ponytail to being completely down and soft.