The framed photographs displayed on the wall in the scene at the art gallery were JW tells Sophie about his sister is by the German photographer/artist Andreas Gursky.
Director Daniel Espinosa was very keen on making the film due to his own Swedish-Chilean mixed heritage, his youth spent hanging out with Yugoslavians and later upper class teens making him relate to all three main characters. He was also expected to direct the next two films in the trilogy, but he stepped away as the film's instant massive success immediately led to opportunities to direct major American films.
The North American and UK releases of the film were "Presented by Martin Scorsese" in an effort to drum up audience interest.