James Earl Jones later admitted that he only did the movie for the money, and for the chance to go to Africa.
To cut costs, most of the score was material that had been composed by Jerry Goldsmith for the first movie, King Solomon's Mines (1985). Just a half-hour of original music was written, by Michael Linn.
Though passed by the BBFC for theatrical exhibition and having publicity materials made, the film largely bypassed UK cinemas (playing mostly in Cannon's own cinema chain), and was thus released on home video shortly after.
Aileen Marson did the stunt where she swings over a pit herself, as there was no stuntperson. She was understandably terrified.