Trivia: This film was supposed to be Steve Coogan's ticket to Hollywood stardom, but it was not to be. The film tanked at the box office, losing almost US$80,000,000. This is the biggest loss by any independent film ever, and it bankrupted its producers.
Trivia: The 2004 adaptation is a loose adaptation of the Jules Vernes novel. Instances include changing Phileas Fogg as an English gentleman into a gentleman-inventor; changing Passepartout to a Chinese thief from a French valet; and replacing an Indian princess with a French artist.
Trivia: When Passepartout (Jackie Chan) meets up with Wong Fei Hung, you may notice that Wong is played by none other than Sammo Hung, a martial artist Chan grew up with in the Chinese Theater. Chan has also played the legendary Wong Fei Hung in several films, including "Legend of Drunken Master."
Trivia: This film was Arnold Schwarzenegger's last acting role (in a cameo) before being elected governor of California.
Trivia: The man that punches Phileas when he attempts to beg for money is the director Frank Coraci.
Trivia: The man that punches Phileas in the face after he attempts to ask for money is played by director Frank Coraci.
Answer: In order to stop Fogg from completing the journey, his rivals at the Academy wired (telegraphed) details to confederates in the countries he visited with instructions to waylay him.