Writer/director Andrew Bergman was intent on persuading the increasingly reclusive actor Marlon Brando to play the role of Mafia chieftain Carmine Sabatini. A few weeks after sending Brando the script, the actor phoned Bergman and invited the director to his home to discuss the movie. Bergman arrived at Brando's Mulholland Drive home and began two days of intensive, non-stop conversations. The director and the actor discussed eastern religion, the economy, politics, philosophy, insects, geology, history, favorite foods, meditation--everything but the movie, the screenplay, or the role of Carmine Sabatini. Finally, after two days of discussions, during a lull in the conversation, Brando said, "I don't think I can play this part without referencing some aspect of the Don," referring to his iconic role in The Godfather (1972). Bergman, drawing on his background as a comedy writer, thought for a moment. Then he brightened. "I've got it!" said Bergman. "We'll make Carmine Sabatini the guy 'The Godfather' is based on!" The actor thought Bergman's idea over. "I can live with that," Brando said after a few seconds. "Let's do the picture."
During post-production, Marlon Brando publicly condemned this film and claimed it would be the biggest turkey of all time. This was because he had asked for an additional $1 million when the shoot was extended an extra week. After the producers refused, he threatened to badmouth the film in the press. They still refused and he followed through with his threat. The following day, the producers paid him the money and he publicly praised the film.
Matthew Broderick had no idea that Marlon Brando was going to use the walnuts as a prop in the scene where they discuss his job. While waiting for the scene to be shot, Brando cracked the walnuts just enough so they would be easy to break, and then used them in the scene to help generate a more genuine response from Broderick.
According to director Andrew Bergman on the Turner Classic Movies documentary on Marlon Brando, he was having a problem shooting a scene with Brando and as a nervous habit, he began chewing Bazooka bubblegum. Brando asked him for a piece to which Bergman replied, "I'll tell you what, you do this scene in one take and I'll give you a piece." They shot the scene in one take and Brando immediately went behind the camera with his hand out. Good to his word, Bergman gave Brando a piece of Bazooka bubblegum.
Gianni Russo, who plays the maitre d' at The Gourmet Club, played Carlo in The Godfather (1972). In that film, Marlon Brando said of Carlo, "Give him a living, but never discuss the family business with him." As Brando is leaving the Gourmet Club, the Maitre D' says, "Good night, boss."