In a recent radio interview with Simon Mayo, Paul Bettany revealed that the teeth worn by Johnny Depp were an homage to legendary British actor Terry-Thomas.
The movie is based on the charismatic anti-hero Charlie Mortdecai, the professional bon vivant and occasional art dealer perpetually at the end of his financial rope, from Kyril Bonfiglioli's popular trilogy of three comic thriller novels: "Don't Point That Thing at Me" (1972), "Something Nasty in the Woodshed" (1976), and "After You with the Pistol" (1979).
In the source novels upon which this movie is based, the unspoken last name of the character of Jock (played by Paul Bettany in this film) is Strapp as in a joke for "jock strap".
Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp)'s comments about being an art dealer, accomplished fencer, and fair shot with most weapons in his opening voiceover are taken directly from Kyril Bonfiglioli's book jacket author biography.
This major motion picture was not screened in advance for critics.