Joe Dante has said this is the best film he's made and the best cast he worked with.
The real and famous "This is CNN" motto spoken by James Earl Jones is spoofed by the actor himself as "This is NN" in the film.
Was produced for American cable television, but received a theatrical release in several West-European countries.
Jack Nicholson was asked to play the President but he was busy with As Good As It Gets (1997) and didn't want to play another President having already done so in Mars Attacks! (1996). Bill Murray was the next choice but had too many other commitments to other films. Tom Hanks was also considered as he worked with director Joe Dante in The 'Burbs (1989) but he was getting ready to collaborate with Steven Spielberg on Saving Private Ryan (1998). Eventually Phil Hartman was chosen due to Dante liking his impression of then President Bill Clinton on Saturday Night Live (1975).
Joe Dante: [Regular Cast] Dick Miller. Director Joe Dante frequently casts Dick Miller. The film cast also includes several actors who frequently appear in films directed by Joe Dante: Kevin McCarthy, William Schallert, Roger Corman and Robert Picardo.