Most of the script was written by Allan Burns. Butch Cassidy et le Kid (1969) screenwriter William Goldman wrote some bits and scenes, which he had wanted to include in the first film, but had not been able to.
Only four cast and crew worked on this movie and Butch Cassidy et le Kid (1969). They included actor Jeff Corey, stuntman Steve Chambers, and composer Jack Hayes. Screenwriter William Goldman was credited for characters from the first film, and worked sparingly on the script, as well as being an executive producer.
William Katt was cast as The Sundance Kid because Katt resembled "a young Robert Redford". Prior to being hired, Katt had never seen Butch Cassidy et le Kid (1969), whereas Tom Berenger had seen it "many years ago".
Harrison Ford turned down the role of Butch Cassidy, as he didn't want to be compared with Paul Newman.