Written and filmed as "Dusted" by Cannon Pictures, who financed the picture. During post-production, Cannon went bust and MGM, who took over their remaining pictures, renamed the film "Death Warrant". The film was delayed pending a decision over whether Cannon Films or MGM/United Artists) should distribute. However, the old Australian VHS tape came with the Cannon logo at the start and some international trailers credit Cannon as the studio behind the picture.
Filmed before Lionheart (1990) despite being released after. Indeed, the film was delayed pending a decision over whether Cannon Films or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists should distribute.
According to French magazine interviews with Jean-Claude Van Damme at the time, he was in competition with Steven Seagal to star in the film.
Bruce Willis was considered for the part of Louis Burke but turned down the part due to scheduling conflicts with Die Hard 2 (1990).
Death Warrant is one of three collaborations between Van Damme and producer Mark DiSalle; the other two are 1988's Bloodsport (whom fellow actor and martial artist Paulo Tocha co-starred with Van Damme) and 1989's Kickboxer.