Don Johnson's first attempt to establish himself as a film action star. His commitments to Miami Vice (1984) prevented him from accepting high-profile genre films such as The Untouchables (1987) and Die Hard (1988). Johnson was able to make this film in part due to the 1988 Writer's Guild of America strike delaying production on Miami Vice's fifth and final season.
The majority of the film was shot in Canada for budget and locale.
A final scene between Don Johnson and Penelope Ann Miller was shot where her character picks up Beck at the closing press conference and there's a hint that the two may reconcile. This scene was cut from the released version.
Actress Connie Selleca was originally chosen for the role of Linda Kimble, that eventually went to played by Penelope Miller. Director John Frankenheimer stated that Don Johnson refused to work with Selleca, and so she was fired from the film but still paid.
Jerry Beck (portrayed by Don Johnson) is a real-life LAPD Homicide detective who at the time had worked some 30 years in the department. He was seen on the television series COPS during this time with his long time partner Ray Verdugo, who has also has been seen in films such as Heat (1995) during the 90's.