Leonardo DiCaprio was looked at for the role of David McCall, DiCaprio didn't think he was right for the role, but he put in a good word for friend/co-star Mark Wahlberg to director James Foley after working with him on Diário de um Adolescente (1995). Foley and Wahlberg spent the day hanging out and discussing the part before Wahlberg was later told by Foley that he really liked him but that he wouldn't be considered for the lead role of David McCall. Wahlberg was subsequently offered to come in to audition for one of David's criminal friends and impressed Foley so much with his audition that Foley told the studio that he would back out of directing the movie if Wahlberg didn't get to play David.
Was filmed in 1994, but not released until April 1996.
While on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, the filmmakers found the site for the Walker family house on Howe Sound. According to producer Ric Kidney, "It was exactly as described in the script, it was remote, surrounded by water on three sides and a great place to film the climactic siege."
The rollercoaster featured in this movie is called "The Coaster". It is one of the biggest attractions at Playland in Vancouver, British Columbia.