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The production suffered from behind-the-scenes troubles. The screenwriting process was grueling, and there were lengthy post-production battles with the studio. Also, Sam Raimi and Frances McDormand clashed because of creative differences. She was allegedly very difficult to direct. Raimi said, "apparently I didn't know Fran as well as I thought I did. The reason it was difficult was that our conception of the best movie to make differed, arguing in trying to make the best picture possible. We did come across disagreements, but they were very healthy." McDormand however looks back fondly on the film and she and her husband, Joel Coen, are still friends with Raimi.
For the role of Darkman, Sam Raimi wanted someone who could play a monster with the soul of a man, and could do all that beneath a lot of makeup. He also liked Liam Neeson's Gary Cooper charisma. Neeson was drawn to the operatic nature of the story and the inner turmoil of the character. To research the role, Neeson contacted the Phoenix Society, an organization that helps accident victims with severe disfigurements adjust to re-entering society.
Bill Paxton was almost cast as Peyton Westlake. According to Paxton, he told his friend Liam Neeson about the audition. When Neeson got the role, Paxton was so angry that he did not speak to Neeson for months.
Director Sam Raimi wanted Bruce Campbell to play the lead role, but the producers were uncertain that Campbell could handle the part. Campbell makes a small cameo in the very last scene instead.
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, close friends of Sam Raimi, did some uncredited doctoring on the finished script.
Originated from a short story by Sam Raimi that paid homage to the Universal horror films of the 1930s.
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen: the director siblings and longtime friends of director Sam Raimi appear as Oldsmobile passenger and driver, respectively.