Stories from the set

The film is based on Christopher Priest's novel The Prestige (1995).

The creator of American Beauty, Sam Mendes, was desperate to bring the novel The Prestige to the screen, but the author of the novel, Christopher Priest, insisted that Nolan handle the adaptation, so impressed was he by the films Following and Memento.

The role of the magician Milton was played by a real illusionist, Ricky Jay. Among other things, he taught magic lessons to Bale and Jackman.

Christopher Nolan planned to make this film even before Batman Begins.

At an early stage of production, director Nolan planned to cast Jude Law in one of the lead roles.

Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was the last actor to join the film's star-studded cast. He played Mr. Alley, the assistant to the inventor Tesla.

Filming for the picture continued from January to April 2006 in California, USA.