During the script-writing process, science fiction author Joe Haldeman and director Stuart Gordon clashed on the vision of the film. Halderman wanted a dramatic, serious science fiction film. Gordon however wanted to liven it up and use stereotypes. In Haldeman's words, "I would try to change the science into something reasonable; Stuart would change it back to Saturday-morning cartoon stuff. I tried to make believable, reasonable characters, and Stuart would insist on throwing in clichés and caricatures. It was especially annoying because it was a story about soldiers, and I was the only person around who'd ever been one." As they were saying their goodbyes to one another, Gordon pinpointed the problem. He said "Joe, our problem is that you're writing a movie for adults that children can enjoy, but I'm directing a movie for children that adults can enjoy!"

Empire Pictures went bankrupt during the filming of this, its most expensive film ever. The film was bought by Epic Productions and finished and released nearly two full years after having been first started.

Contrary to what was seen on screen, stars Gary Graham and Anne-Marie Johnson did not get along with one another, mostly because of their differences in political beliefs. Graham was mostly Conservative while Johnson had a more Liberal mindset.

The screams of the spectators being crushed by the giant robot were later sampled in the song "The Becoming" by Nine Inch Nails.

The patches worn on the suits of Tex and Achilles include real US Army unit patches, such as the 101st AIRBORNE and the 18TH AIRBORNE CORP.

This movie has a clear shout out to Marvel"s Fantastic Four. When Robert Alldredge's character, Tex Conway, speaks to Achilles on the intercom, he looks directly into the camera and utters The Thing's iconic quote, "It's clobberin' time!"

Jeffrey Combs, star of Re-Animator and other Stuart Gordon films, makes a cameo as "1st Prole" (one of the guys betting on the first fight between Achilles and Alexander)

One of the symbols on the jumpsuits look like Spider-Man's mask.