Dolph Lundgren wrote the script before Taken (2008) came out or was produced, after he had read a newspaper article on human trafficking.
When asked to co-star with Tony Jaa in the unfinished Thai western Ai Noom Gangnam, Dolph Lundgren made a deal with Jaa in 2013 to be in Skin Trade (2014) as his American movie debut in exchange.
Ron Perlman signed up to star in the picture because he was interested in being in a Tony Jaa picture. Perlman also stated he has been a fan of Dolph since Rocky IV.
Dolph Lundgren has 2 daughters and while researching and filming he became deeply involved with the CAST organization, a non profit group for rescued slave victims. Dolph stated he would find himself getting emotional on set due to the film's content.
Dolph Lundgren first wrote the script in 2006-2007 and intended to direct the film himself before deciding to let somebody else take the helm so he could focus on the producing duties. He looked for a director, first considering John Hyams to take the reigns while polishing the script, then choosing Thai art-house and stage director Ekachai Uekrongtham after seeing his film Beautiful Boxer (2003).