Billy Crystal was inspired to write this film from having worked with André René Roussimoff in the The Princess Bride (1987).
Billy Crystal originally wanted to play the role of the titular "Giant," but was convinced by producers that he would be better as Sammy Kamin.
Steven Seagal's scenes took longer to shoot than scheduled because he kept taking time to challenge Gheorghe Muresan to a game of H-O-R-S-E.
Lilliana is the name of Gheorghe Muresan's wife. The character's name was originally "Angelica" but they changed it to accommodate Gheorghe, who said when he talks of love he thinks of his wife.