Eddie Murphy came up with the original idea and the title for the film during a conversation with Keenen Ivory Wayans. Wayans asked Murphy's permission to use the idea.
Producer Peter McCarthy persuaded John Cusack, with whom he had worked before, to appear in the last big shoot-out scene as a delivery boy. He was shot multiple times and was burned by several of the nearly 20 squibs attached to his body. The scene ultimately wasn't used.
When Kim Wayans performs during the bar scene, Slade asked the bartender "Who is that?" She replies "that's the director's sister," and the camera points at Keenen Ivory Wayans.
During the sequence in Kalinga's headquarters, the theme to "The Brady Bunch" can be heard. Kalinga's wife is played by Eve Plumb, best known for playing Jan in The Brady Bunch.
Fishbone: standing to the left of the doorway when Flyguy comes out and struts down the street. The band are likely meant to be playing Flyguy's theme music like the band that follows Jack Spade earlier, playing his theme music.