In the DVD commentary for the episode, Trey Parker noted that, by 2002, Crowe had gotten himself into fights on three different continents, which led to the idea of "Fightin' Around the World with Russell Crowe", since Crowe had literally fought all over the world. Parker said that the initial inspiration for the episode, however, came from a personal experience he and Matt Stone had with the actor. Parker and Stone became acquainted with Crowe at an award show around the time that the duo got awards for "". They described Crowe as "a really cool guy" accompanied by easy-going "Aussie" friends. One day, the two were invited to a studio by Crowe, who was finishing his album and asked the duo to listen to it and provide feedback. Flattered, they accepted the invitation. However, when they arrived, about eight of Crowe's acquaintances were also there. Crowe then proceeded to play a CD of the album, which seemed completely mixed and finished already. No-one in the room seemed willing to comment on the songs, and it soon became apparent to Parker and Stone that Crowe simply wanted everyone to sit there and listen to the album. Parker said that while Crowe was "a very talented "actor"," he was a poor musician, describing his record as "Bon Jovi meets Hepatitis B." At one point, a song came along which featured handclapping. Parker, trying to think of something constructive to say, suggested that Crowe mix out the handclaps. "And literally, the place just got quiet," Parker said, with all attendees supposedly in shock that Parker would dare to critique Crowe. According to Parker, Crowe then nonchalantly took a drag of his cigarette and said, "Well, maybe I'll mix them off the version I give to you."