Richard Kiel said in his autobiography that he was supposed to be in this movie. Burt Reynolds had, as a favor, made sure that there was a part written specially for him. In the end Kiel was not available for the part as Bones when they where shooting this movie. Kiel did, however, recommend his friend William Engesser for the part instead.
Sonny Shroyer and James Best would go on to work together again in the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979).
Filmed in and around Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. The historical waterfront is clearly visible in a scene where Gator is crossing a bridge into town.