The film was originally titled The Piano Lesson, but the filmmakers could not obtain the rights to use the title because of the American play of the same name, and it was changed to The Piano.[8]
Casting the role of Ada was a difficult process. Sigourney Weaver was Campion's first choice, but ultimately turned down the role. Jennifer Jason Leigh was also considered, but had a conflict with her commitment to Rush (1991).[9] Isabelle Huppert met with Jane Campion and had vintage period-style photographs taken of her as Ada, and later said she regretted not fighting for the role as Hunter did.[10]
The casting for Flora occurred after Hunter had been selected for the part. They did a series of open auditions for girls age 9 to 13, focusing on girls who were small enough to be believable as Ada's daughter (as Holly Hunter is relatively short at 157 cm / 5' 2" tall[11]). Anna Paquin ended up winning the role of Flora over 5,000 other girls.[12]
Alistair Fox has argued that The Piano was significantly influenced by Jane Mander's The Story of a New Zealand River.[13] Robert Macklin, an associate editor with The Canberra Times newspaper, has also written about the similarities.[14] The film also serves as a retelling of the fairytale "Bluebeard",[15][16] itself depicted as a scene in the Christmas pageant.
In July 2013, Campion revealed that she originally intended for the main character to drown in the sea after going overboard after her piano.[17]
Principal photography took place over 12 weeks from February to mid-May 1992.[18]
