Tony Scott claimed that the frenetic filming and editing style of the picture is reflective of the high usage of cocaine amongst real bounty hunters he consulted while researching the film.
Jacqueline Bisset, who plays Domino's mother (renamed Sophie Wynn in the film), actually knew Domino Harvey's real-life mother Paulene Stone. They knew each other from their time as models and had worked together.
Mickey Rourke's character is based on real-life bounty hunter Ed Martinez. Delroy Lindo's character is based on real-life bail-bondsman Celes King III, Domino Harvey's real boss. Both men were used as technical advisors on the film.
Mickey Rourke initially turned down the role of Ed as he felt the script was weak and wanted to take part in Guy Ritchie's Revolver de Guy Ritchie (2005), which was shooting at the same time. However, he gave in when director Tony Scott re-wrote the part with Rourke specifically in mind.
The first words heard in the film, "Heads, you live. Tails, you die.", are spoken by the real-life Domino Harvey.