Antwone Fisher was working as a security guard at Sony Studios. Studio executives began hearing about his life story and offered to buy the rights. But Fisher refused, insisting that he write the screenplay himself. Fisher wrote 41 drafts, until he sold it to 20th Century Fox.
Denzel Washington agreed to star in the movie mainly because he knew it was the only way it would get financed.
De'aundre Bonds was initially given a role in the film. On the night that he learned he was awarded the role, he attended a family celebration, and was involved in an altercation with his aunt's boyfriend. The altercation ended with Bonds stabbing the man to death. He was sentenced to eleven years in prison.
Cuba Gooding Jr., Mekhi Phifer, Ja Rule and Will Smith expressed interest in the lead role. Denzel Washington didn't want a star, and cast newcomer Derek Luke.
Many extras in the film were active duty U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel from various commands within the southern California area.