Filming at the house took place in the fall. At times it was as chilly as 40 degrees outside. When the leaves around the house began to turn, the production crew painted them green. When the leaves began falling, computer-generated ones were added in post-production.
While promoting her film Blanche Neige (2012), Julia Roberts teared up and cried in an interview while sharing the news about her acting in her first film opposite Meryl Streep, who she claimed was her favorite actress.
Tracy Letts wanted the original stage cast to reprise their roles in the film version. Ultimately, none of the original actors appear in the movie.
The production crew bought the house and completely refurbished it. Known locally as the 'Boulanger' family home, it was built in 1918 from a Sears & Roebuck catalog with the addition of the two-story columns and surrounding porch. The crew dug up a 100-year-old oak tree at the back of the house and replanted it out front.
During initial casting Harvey Weinstein suggested Judi Dench as Violet and Nicole Kidman as Barbara. Screenwriter Tracy Letts voted against the idea, saying American actors should play the roles.