The 2004 adaptation is a loose adaptation of the Jules Vernes novel. Instances include changing Phileas Fogg as an English gentleman into a gentleman-inventor; changing Passepartout to a Chinese thief from a French valet; and replacing an Indian princess with a French artist.

Richard Branson makes a cameo in this film as the hot air balloon ticket seller. Richard Branson is famous for traveling around the globe in a hot air balloon and breaking records.

This film was Arnold Schwarzenegger's last acting role (in a cameo) before being elected governor of California.

This film was supposed to be Steve Coogan's ticket to Hollywood stardom, but it was not to be. The film tanked at the box office, losing almost US$80,000,000. This is the biggest loss by any independent film ever, and it bankrupted its producers.

When Passepartout (Jackie Chan) meets up with Wong Fei Hung, you may notice that Wong is played by none other than Sammo Hung, a martial artist Chan grew up with in the Chinese Theater. Chan has also played the legendary Wong Fei Hung in several films, including "Legend of Drunken Master."