Twenty years after the release of the romantic comedy “Hitch,” director Andy Tennant has opened up about the behind-the-scenes tensions with star Will Smith that nearly derailed the film’s production.
In a candid interview with Business Insider, Tennant revealed significant creative differences that plagued the movie-making process. Just three days before shooting was set to begin, Smith considered backing out of the project, highlighting the intense creative struggles between the director and lead actor.
Despite the challenges, the film became a massive commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide. Tennant described the collaborative process as complex, noting that “The movie I wanted to make and the movie Will wanted to make, neither one of those movies is as good as the movie we made together.”
The production was marked by heated debates over key scenes, including the doorstep sequence with Kevin James and the Ellis Island segment. However, the director found common ground during the film’s now-iconic dance instruction scene. Interestingly, Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett, reportedly supported some of Tennant’s creative choices during this tumultuous period.
The tension reached a breaking point at the end of filming. “Will walked off the set, didn’t say goodbye to me, didn’t say anything, he just left,” Tennant recalled. At the time, Smith reportedly believed the movie would be “a disaster” – a prediction that proved entirely wrong.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Tennant recently learned that a sequel to “Hitch” is in development at Smith’s production company, despite Tennant having submitted his own sequel proposal to Sony. “I just found out about it three months ago,” he said, maintaining a remarkably professional attitude about the unexpected turn of events.
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Despite the complicated history, Tennant remains diplomatic. “I don’t have anything against him,” he said of Smith. “He hired me to make this movie. It was not an easy job for anybody.”
The revelation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of a beloved romantic comedy, showcasing the complex dynamics that can exist in Hollywood filmmaking.
