David Copperfield told some very confidential secrets for some magic tricks in the film, so confidential that he had them sign secrecy contracts.
Don Scardino insisted that the over-the-top illusions be entirely shot with practical special effects. Magician David Copperfield served as an advisor for those scenes, and they were accomplished using practical effects.
"The Amazing Burt & Anton" are based partly on Siegfried Fischbacher & Roy Horn, a flashy pair of magicians who headlined at a Las Vegas casino for over a decade. The character of Lucius Belvedere with his continual tiger injuries is also a nod to this duo, as a tiger attack is what ultimately ended Siegfried & Roy's show.