: The character of John Creasy was inspired by a real person. While investigating for the book, author A.J. Quinnell met a former Blue Light operative (a secretive U.S. counter-terrorism unit) who served as the blueprint for Creasy’s lethal skills and protective nature.

: Director Tony Scott used hand-cranked cameras and experimental film processing techniques to create the movie's signature disorienting, high-contrast look. This was intended to mirror the protagonist John Creasy’s fractured mental state and his descent into "the fire" of vengeance.

: Denzel Washington famously decided not to treat Dakota Fanning like a child actor. He chose to spend hours talking to her between takes to build a real bond, later stating that he didn't need to "work" on their chemistry because she was such a formidable professional even at age nine.