Walter Matthau replaced Joseph Bologna in the co-starring lead role of Sonny Paluso. The 30th November 1982 edition of show-business trade paper 'Daily Variety' reported that Bologna left the production after about two weeks of principal photography due to "creative differences". The 7th December 1982 edition of the same publication announced Matthau would be joining the cast taking over Bologna's part.
The picture originated with producer William Sackheim, who had become intrigued with survivalism several years earlier. Sackheim said: "These people (who practice survivalism) flee to the hills, and once they get up there, they don't trust anybody--including each other. There's a kind of madness about it. Somehow it struck me as a very funny idea for a comedy".
Second of three movies that actor Walter Matthau made with director Michael Ritchie. The films include The Survivors (1983), The Couch Trip (1988) and The Bad News Bears (1976).
Robin Williams was attracted to the project for several reasons. Williams said: "First of all, after 'Garp' [The World According to Garp (1982)], I wanted to do a far-out comedy, and The Survivors (1983) certainly qualifies. Secondly, I like the basic premise - if we stick together, it will all work out. It's sort of like Yin, Yang and Yong. You've got me, who, I guess, specializes in frenetic and bizarre energy. You've got Walter Matthau, who's very grounded and subtle. And then you've got Jerry Reed, whose character is like a cross between Mister Rogers and Jack Nicholson. He's a lovable villain".
When Robin Williams moons the TV screen after the editorial, he is really mooning the TV. When Robin Williams sits down you can see he is not wearing underwear.
John Goodman: As a Commando at the militaria shop. This film was one of Goodman's first movie roles.