The action figures that Omri places in the cupboard include Darth Vader from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), the T-Rex from Jurassic Park (1993), a Ferengi merchant and a Cardassian soldier from Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and/or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), G.I. Joe, and the title character from RoboCop (1987). Both Darth Vader and Robocop are humans rebuilt as cyborgs.
Steve Coogan plays a small figure character in this film. He will later appear in Night at the Museum (2006) as a small figure that also magically comes to life.
On the DVD commentary, Frank Oz stated he was reluctant to direct this movie, as he doesn't think he's a children's director.