Steven Spielberg bought the film rights in 1983, soon after the book was released.
There was one report where Martin Scorsese had originally purchased the film rights to Winter's Tale, but he backed out, deeming it "unfilmable".
Hans Zimmer had written most of the music for Winter's Tale (2014) before he had to leave to finish writing music for 12 Years a Slave (2013) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Rupert Gregson-Williams was hired by his friend Zimmer to write the remaining score and to collaborate with him on the whole score, overall.
According to Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe personally choreographed most of their fight scenes.
Will Smith (Judge) is not listed in the credits and the only actor who interacted with Smith in the movie was Russell Crowe. The other actors reportedly did not even see Smith during the filming. "It was my [idea]," Goldsman said. "I think the Devil needs to be very charismatic, I know no one more charismatic than Will." Per Yahoo Entertainment.