Sean Bateman, the character played by James Van Der Beek, is the younger brother of the infamous Patrick Bateman, the main character of American Psycho (2000), a film also based on a novel by Bret Easton Ellis.

When the production couldn't afford George Michael's "Faith", Roger Avary sent the musician a letter asking if he could lower the price. Michael gave them the song for free.

Lionsgate tested the film at a mall in conservative Orange County, as they saw the film as a teen comedy. Director Roger Avary saw the film as "the assassination of teen comedies." The test screening was reportedly horrible, with dozens of walkouts and people shouting "fag film" at the screen as they left. Regardless, Lionsgate insisted on marketing the film as a teen comedy and opening it in wide-release.

"The End of the World" party scene was filmed on 11 September 2001, coincidentally the date of the infamous real-life World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

Christian Bale turned down an offer to reprise the role of Patrick Bateman.