The movie was a critical failure, but a box-office success, making $33 million against a budget of approximately $10 million. It has since become a cult hit.
During the introductory training sequence, Leroy Green karate-chops an arrow as it soars past him. It was a real stunt that took 2 hours to get right.
For the role of Leroy Green, the filmmakers considered Mario Van Peebles. Wesley Snipes and Laurence Fishburne also auditioned and lobbied hard for the lead role.
Charlene: As herself in the music video for "Fire". She didn't record again for 18 years following this film's release.