This pilot was originally pitched to Nickelodeon in the hopes of securing a TV series on the network. However, Nickelodeon executives were actually so impressed with the pilot that they were willing to green light a feature-length film before producing the TV show, which also allowed the show to be produced at a lower budget since many assets would be recycled from the movie.
Jimmy's name was originally going to be "Jonathan Quasar" but it was changed 'cause they didn't want his name to be confused with "Johnny Quest" or "Captain Quasar".
Plot points and jokes from this pilot were recycled into the theatrical film, including the involvement of the Yolkians.