Simon Barrett, who previously collaborated with Adam Wingard on the films "A Horrible Way to Die" and "You’re Next", wrote the script for "The Guest". Barrett said, "one of the things that excites me the most is to have established a pre-existing dynamic like a nuclear family, then introduce an element that’s disruptive [...] I love just movies where a stranger comes to town “"High Plains Drifter"”-style. Similarly to their previous films, Barrett envisioned "The Guest" with a main character "harboring a secret". The character was inspired by Barrett's former occupation as a private investigator; he said it "really compartmentalized my life [...] so I’ve become fascinated by characters that just have a weird interior thing going on". Keith Calder and Jessica Calder served as producers, who also produced "You’re Next." Wingard describes his working relationship with them as "positive" and "respectful". Casting choices focused on character actors. On June 11, 2013, Dan Stevens signed on to star as the titular character, David. To prepare for the role, he spent hours in the gym to gain muscle. Wingard stated Stevens was the only serious contender for the role of David. "It was a very expedited schedule in terms of the casting [...] It was pretty much only Dan or bust", Wingard said. When casting Stevens, Barrett and Wingard knew that Stevens would be likable, and found him to be "calm and cool" and "naturally charming". They said the film title made the story obvious, and though audiences may cheer on his character for his entertainment value, he is clearly the antagonist of the film, something audiences will easily recognize. Maika Monroe was signed on for the role as Anna on June 26. On July 8, two additional cast members were confirmed; Brendan Meyer, who plays Luke, and Lance Reddick, who plays a Major Richard Carver. On July 17, 2013, the New Mexico Film Office announced the start of the production of "The Guest". Principal photography took place in various locations including Moriarty, Edgewood and Estancia, and finished at the end of August 2013. The film score was composed by Steve Moore, and includes synthwave tracks from artists such as Clan of Xymox and Survive. J-2 Music released the soundtrack on September 16, 2014. Additional tracks (credited and played during the film but not on the official soundtrack):  According to Wingard, the rough cut of "The Guest" was about 20-minutes longer than the theatrical version.