The series' premise is based on Italo Calvino's "Fanta-Ghiro the Beautiful". Director Lamberto Bava said the films were influenced by "Legend", "Ladyhawke" and "Willow", as well as by Disney animated movies and the 1950s fantasy cinema. Initially "Fantaghirò" was to be a single film but the production costs were excessive and so it was decided to make it as a miniseries. "Fantaghiro" was produced by Rete Italia and filmed mostly in the former Czechoslovakia; the last two films were shot Thailand and Cuba. The musical score, including the theme song "Mio nemico" ("My Enemy"), was written by Amedeo Minghi and performed by Rossana Casale.