Originally, the animated title sequence was going to be done in CGI, but the filmmakers decided to stick to traditional, hand-drawn animation instead. This animation was directed by Bob Kurtz, who had worked on some of the "Pink Panther" shorts. The CGI title sequence appears as an extra on the DVD, and is partly used as menu animation.
In the press conference scene, some of the "news" cameras actually filmed parts of the scene.
The cameo appearance of Clive Owen can be seen both as a nod to the myth that Owen was to succeed Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in 007 - Cassino Royale (2006) (denied by both EON and Owen), and a tribute to Peter Sellers, who played James Bond in the spoof film Casino Royale (1967). The role of Boswell was originally intended for Pierce Brosnan, but his contract with EON specifically prohibited him from appearing as a spy in a tuxedo for at least five years after leaving the role of 007.
Jackie Chan was considered for the part of Clouseau's Chinese assistant, Cato Fong. But the filmmakers decided they didn't want to use a politically incorrect character, and replaced Cato with the Frenchman Ponton.
Steve Martin had such respect for Peter Sellers that when he was asked to take over the role of Clouseau, he put off the decision to accept it until after he had already worked out the character's accent and run several ideas for scenes past director Shawn Levy.