Trivia / Neverwas

• Dueling Works: The movie didn't receive much promotion, possibly because it was released on the heels of Finding Neverland which had similar themes of contrasting reality and the story written from it, as well as a similar name. There was also some talk of possible legal complications with that film and with the Harry Potter pictures; in any case, it went straight to DVD and has become a Cult Classic.
  • The plot also has major similarities with the Lisa Goldstein novel Dark Cities Underground.
• I Am Not Spock: For many reasons, Dr. Riley reacts badly when people go "oh, you're that Zachary", one reason he uses his mother's maiden name. However, by the end Dr. Riley is so affected by his discoveries that he announces to police and press that he is Zachary Small, identifying himself completely with his character from the book.
• The unique production design on this picture, including the land of Neverwas and its splendid castle, was done by Sean Hargreaves, who seems to have been partially inspired by Watts Towers. In any case, he's gone out of his way to make sure you know this is a real and beloved land. The books (including Gabriel and T.L.'s scrapbook/diary), the set design, and the art direction were all Matthew Cogswell who has actually got more credits on this picture than the writer or the director.
• Ashton Kutcher and Adrian Brody were both considered for the part of Zach before Eckhart was cast.