Jennifer Lopez portrays the lead female role that was originated by Sonia Braga in the 1985 film adaptation. Braga played Lopez's mother in Angel Eyes - Occhi d'angelo (2001) and Un matrimonio esplosivo (2022), as well as appearing alongside her in Bordertown (2007).
Jennifer Lopez and Tonatiuh revealed in an interview that Chita Rivera, who originated the role of Aurora/The Spider Woman on Broadway, was supposed to appear alongside them in the film but unfortunately passed away two weeks into rehearsals.
This is Bill Condon's first adaptation of a John Kander/Fred Ebb musical since writing Chicago (2002).
The film is dedicated to the memories of Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, and Chita Rivera. Ebb composed the lyrics to the original Broadway musical, while McNally wrote the musical book and Rivera originated the role of the title character.
During her appearance on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (1988), Jennifer Lopez revealed that she had lost a significant amount of weight during filming as a result of the choreography in the film.