Film debut of Tom Everett Scott. Tom Hanks was initially opposed to hiring Scott because of Scott's strong resemblance to a younger Hanks. He was finally convinced by his wife, Rita Wilson, who thought Scott was cute.
Steve Zahn is an accomplished singer/guitarist. He played guitar and sang in both this movie and Saving Silverman (2001).
Tom Hanks claimed that he wrote the script while on the promotional tour for Forrest Gump (1994) due to his boredom doing non-stop interviews.
Adam Schlesinger, the bassist of Fountains of Wayne, penned the title song in response to a contest being held by the studio. Their song won, being used in the movie. The movie was released shortly after their first album.
The four actors playing The Wonders rehearsed as a band for eight weeks to get the feel of performing - but most of their performances in the film were dubbed by other musicians.
Rick Elias: Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Rick Elias as the guitarist seated behind Jimmy during Diane Dane's rehearsal. Elias is also co-writer on four songs from the film, "I Need You (That Thing You Do)," "She Knows It," "All My Only Dreams," and "Dance With Me Tonight."
Howie Long: In the director's cut, Long makes a brief appearance as Lloyd, Mr. White's assumed boyfriend.