 The concept for the film dated to 1976, when it was developed under the titles "The Cut-Whore Killings" and "The William Munny Killings".By Eastwood's own recollection he was given the script in the "early 80s" although he did not immediately pursue it, because, according to him, "I thought I should do some other things first".Much of the cinematography for the film was shot in Alberta in August 1991 by director of photography Jack Green.