The real-life Gary Johnson passed away early in production and never got to see the film. Richard Linklater only talked to him on the phone and never met him in person.
The script originally had the story taking place in Houston, as the real-life Gary Johnson was based there. However, due to Texas tax credits and other financial elements, they weren't able to shoot there. They instead chose to set the film in New Orleans.
This movie is based on a longform narrative nonfiction article by Skip Hollandsworth, published in Texas Monthly in October 2001. This marks the second time that Linklater has made a movie based on a Texas Monthly article by Hollandsworth, the first time being Bernie (2011).
Netflix acquired the film for $20 million for release in the United States shortly after screening at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Austin Amelio had already picked out his wardrobe for Jasper. He decided to research the part a bit further and went out in New Orleans' Bourbon Street to find the sketchiest person he could find - who just happened to be wearing almost the exact same wardrobe he had chosen.