Juliette Lewis was just out of rehab when Marshall cast her. The insurance company for the film didn't want to insure her, so Marshall put up the money himself.
Marshall considered his daughter, Kathleen for the role of lesbian sister Heather Tate, but after seeing Sarah Paulson's audition he gave her the role.
Before starring in this film, both Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi made guest appearances on The Wonder Years (1988-1993). Lewis guest starred as Wayne's girlfriend Delores and Ribisi as one of Kevin's buddies Jeff.