The movie was a major flop and, despite its strong cast and production team, grossed only $9.4 million worldwide on a budget of $55 million. Forbes Magazine voted it the biggest flop in the years spanning 2005-2009. Few critics endorsed it, despite its having garnered strong Oscar buzz before its premiere. Director Steven Zaillian described the experience as "like getting hit by a truck".
According to Jackie Earle Haley, writer, producer, and director Steven Zaillian had wanted to cast him for the role of Sugar Boy, and had him at the top of his short list. Haley said that when he met with Zaillian, Steven remembered his work from years ago, and wanted to see how Haley had aged. Zaillian had mentioned that he spoke to Sean Penn (Willie Stark), who had also thought of Haley for the role.
Writer, producer, and director Steven Zaillian never saw All the King's Men (1949), and adapted the screenplay solely from Robert Penn Warren's novel.
The last movie featuring Frederic Forrest (Willie's Father), who retired from acting after this movie.
The cast includes four Oscar winners: Sean Penn, Kate Winslet, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Tom McCarthy; and five Oscar nominees: Jude Law, Mark Ruffalo, Jackie Earle Haley, Patricia Clarkson, and Frederic Forrest.