Antonio Banderas couldn't speak English when this movie was filmed, and thus performed all his lines phonetically. Armand Assante couldn't speak Spanish and also performed all his lines phonetically.
Late in the movie, Nestor and Cesar are invited to play on the "I Love Lucy" show by Desi Arnaz (played by his son, Desi, Jr.). This scene includes clips from Season 1, Episode 28, "Cuban Pals".
Warner Bros. wanted Jeremy Irons and Ray Liotta for the roles of Cesar and Nestor. Irons screen tested with Antonio Banderas. But Arne Glimcher fought for Armand Assante and Banderas whom he felt were perfect for the roles.
Because of his commitment to this film, Antonio Banderas had to pass on working with his mentor Pedro Almodóvar for the sixth time on Talons aiguilles (1991). The pair did not work together again for nearly 20 years; when they reunited for La piel que habito (2011).