Trivia

The character Grayson is a big character in the second act of the book but is not present in the movie

Nearly a decade before this movie's release, Walt Disney Pictures was slated to release this film into theaters. Elijah Wood was also attached to star as the titular character.

Jerry Spinelli, who wrote the novel upon which this movie was based, was not impressed with this film adaptation. While he praised the film's performances, he revealed in a 2018 interview, "The movie stunk. It was so bad, that's why you can't buy it".

Maniac may have been "chosen by fate" to end the segregation of Two Mills; explaining why he gained magical running and great sports abilities. This way he could never be caught by bigots and could inspire/united the children with games.

It also explains why the line separating the two magically burns away. Maniac had finished his job and found a new home.

Seeing how Maniac was treated when he first arrived, it would make a lot of sense Two Mills wouldn't have a good tourist industry. If the town forcibly made black and white visitors stick to one side of the town, this would get them reported to the higher authorities than the local police.

It also brings up how they would treat Hispanic, Chinese and other races. Seeing as there's an absence of such people in the town.