He tells the story in his 2014 autobiography, ‘ The Filthy Truth’ . According to Clay, the film was developed with him in mind at Fox, but the studio backed out after the failure of his film ‘ The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’ .
Other actors which were considered for the role include Danny DeVito and Jim Belushi.
Production Gave a Shout Out in the Film to the Jasper County Sheriff
When the trial is nearing its end, Sheriff Farley tells the court that, "two boys, who fit the defendants' description, were arrested two days ago by Sheriff Tillman in Jasper County, Georgia."
'Mack' Tillman was the actual Jasper County sheriff at the time, and his name was used in the film to show thanks for all his help during filming.
Lorraine Bracco Was the First Choice for Mona Lisa Vito
While she was at the height of her success, actress Lorraine Bracco was offered the role of Mona Lisa Vito. She refused due to personal issues, and the role was then offered to Geena Davis, who also turned it down.
When they passed, they opened the door for newcomer Marisa Tomei to be cast, and eventually win an Oscar for the role.
The Film is a Criticism of the Death Penalty
The film may feel like a comedy, but it also has some serious things to say about the legal system and the death penalty.
Director Jonathan Lynn told Abnormal Use, “For me personally, what the film was about is how wrong capital punishment is and how people can so easily be executed when they’re not guilty if they’re not adequately represented or if there’s a lack of relevant evidence available."
Mitchell Whitfield Went on to Play Barry, Rachel's Ex on 'Friends'
Actor Mitchell Whitfield was almost cast as Ross on legendary sitcom ' Friends' , he lost out on the part to David Schwimmer at the last minute and was cast as Rachel’s ex-fiancé, Barry, instead.
He told Abnormal Use about the experience, saying, “Someone once asked me, “What was it like kissing Jennifer Aniston?” I said, “Okay, imagine kissing someone that you really have no romantic feelings for in front of 200 people in 120 degree lights with no top on in a dentist chair. How do you think that went down? Not too good. Yeah, that’s about it. Not too good. It was kind of awkward and sweaty.”