When shooting started in Moab, Utah, the temperature was 109 °F (43 °C). Towards the end of shooting, the temperature got to a low 9 °F (-13 °C).
There were four movies planned in this film series. But after the first failed commercialy it is unclear if part 3 and 4 will be made.
The white powder being put on the bodies when being buried is lime, it was added to help mask the smell of decomposition to help deter animals from digging up bodies. It also used to be thought the lime helped speed up decomposition, but it actually does the opposite. Lime prevents the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, which is how it helps reduce odor as the putrid odor from a dead body is caused by bacteria breaking down dead issue.
Kevin Costner first commissioned the story in 1988, but failed to find a studio that was interested. It took four attempts before the film was finally greenlit.