Ronald Bronstein, the protagonist of this film, is a common collaborator of the Safdie Brothers, co-writing and editing most of their films, including Heaven Knows What (2014) and Good Time (2017).
Co-director Josh Safdie approached the young actors after spotting them on the streets of New York and immediately went up to them and asked them and their mother if they wanted to be in the film.
Lee Ranaldo, the real life father of the two boys, plays their stepdad the film. He is also a co-founder of the band Sonic Youth.