Screenwriter Paul Feig, who once was an aspiring stuntman himself, is a fan of Jason Statham's action movies. Feig tailored Statham's Rick Ford character in the film especially for the actor to play.
Bobby Cannavale got involved in the film because his girlfriend, Rose Byrne, joined the cast as Rayna.
According to Paul Feig, Rayna was originally a 19-year-old, and the character had to be rewritten once Rose Byrne was cast in the role.
Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig are neighbors and she first heard about the project over dinner. She subsequently asked to read the script.
Star Melissa McCarthy has said that the film is the most physically taxing she has ever done. McCarthy has said of the mishaps and accidents that befell her during the making of the movie: "Running, jumping, falling. I've cracked my head, I have cuts and bruises. At the end of the day I look like I fell down an elevator shaft. But I wear those wounds and thrown discs with a bit of pride". Stunt coordinator J.J. Perry has also said: "We have a great stunt double (Luci Romberg) for Melissa, but once we saw how good Melissa was we were able to ask even more of her." Perry has also praised McCarthy's s impressive ability to learn and retain choreography, saying, "She was in there with some heavy-hitting action stars, which can be intimidating, but she more than held her own. Her work ethic is outstanding".
Ben Falcone: The American tourist in Budapest, Hungary asking directions for Popeyes chicken. He is the real-life husband of actress Melissa McCarthy
Paul Feig: Uncredited, as a drunk guest who walks into a wall and falls down in the hallway of Hôtel Modière when Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) arrives at the hotel in Paris.