The sets were built from the ground in the South African locations. A town set burnt down shortly before filming was complete.
The role of Jon's brother, Peter, was intended for Mads Mikkelsen's brother, Lars Mikkelsen. When he dropped out, Mads Mikkelsen suggested Mikael Persbrandt to replace him.
The music score in the ending, pays homage to the spaghetti western genre, and to Ennio Morricone in particular, by including a stanza from C'era una volta il West (1968) (C'era una volta il West).
When demanding "justice," Col. Delarue cites, "a tooth for a tooth." This incomplete biblical reference is from the Sermon on the Mount, which actually urges people to turn the other cheek rather than seeking retribution.
Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen played the Bond girl and Bond villain, respectively, in Casino Royale (2006).