- Ability over Appearance: The role of the Secret Service director was originally written for a man. Antoine Fuqua persuaded Angela Bassett to audition, then had the role re-written for a woman.
- All-Star Cast: On top of the aforementioned three, there is also Melissa Leo, Dylan McDermott, Ashley Judd, and Angela Bassett.
- Awesome, Dear Boy: Angela Bassett only took her part because she always wanted to work alongside Morgan Freeman.
- What Could Have Been: Winona Ryder was the studio's first choice to play the First Lady.
