The Creative Clash Behind the Success of "Hitch"
In a recent interview with Business Insider, Andy Tennant, director of the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, opened up about the challenges he faced while working with the film’s star, Will Smith. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the movie, Tennant shared candid insights into the creative differences and personal tensions that arose during the production. While Hitch ultimately became a critical and commercial success, the journey was far from smooth. Tennant revealed that he and Smith had fundamentally different visions for the film, which led to significant clashes during the development and filming process. Despite these difficulties, Tennant credited Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, for helping mediate some of the tensions, noting that she supported his creative instincts during a particularly chaotic period of pre-production.
The story of Hitch follows Alex Hitchens, a professional "date doctor" played by Will Smith, who helps men improve their romantic lives. When Hitchens falls for a gossip columnist, Sara Melas (played by Eva Mendes), his usual tricks and strategies fail, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments. The film also stars Kevin James as one of Hitchens’ clients and Amber Valletta as the object of his affections. Hitch was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, grossing $371.6 million worldwide and becoming the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2005. Its success solidified Smith’s status as a leading man in Hollywood, and it remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 2000s.
However, Tennant shared that the road to success was fraught with conflict. He recalled that Smith brought in a draft of the script that Tennant strongly disagreed with, describing it as filled with “crazy story ideas.” Tennant admitted that he was so concerned about the direction Smith wanted to take the film that he even expressed his fears to the studio, stating that he was more worried about Smith’s vision for the movie than the possibility of being fired. In the end, the studio sided with Tennant, and the film was made without incorporating Smith’s controversial ideas. Tennant acknowledged that Smith deserved credit for not pushing forward with the problematic draft, even though their working relationship remained strained throughout the production.
Tennant also revealed that the tensions between him and Smith were so intense that Smith considered backing out of the project just three days before filming was set to begin. According to Tennant, Smith wanted to halt production to rework the script further, a move that Tennant described as “madness.” Despite these setbacks, the filmmakers managed to pull the project together, and Hitch went on to achieve significant success. However, the experience left a lasting impact on Tennant, who submitted a proposal for a sequel but was ultimately not involved in any further developments. To his surprise, he later learned that Smith’s production company was moving forward with a sequel without him, a revelation he accepted with a mix of disappointment and resignation, acknowledging the cutthroat nature of the film industry.
Reflecting on his time working with Smith, Tennant expressed no ill will toward the actor, despite the challenges they faced. He acknowledged that the experience was difficult for everyone involved but also highlighted the positive moments they shared, particularly during the film’s promotional tour. Tennant described the global press junket as one of the most incredible experiences of his career, a testament to the camaraderie that emerged despite the earlier tensions. However, Tennant also admitted that his professional relationship with Smith effectively ended after the film’s release, noting that he has not heard from the actor since.
Tennant’s revelations provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of Hitch, a film that has become a staple of the romantic comedy genre. While the director and star may have had their differences, their collaboration resulted in a movie that continues to resonate with audiences two decades later. For fans of Hitch, Tennant’s insights offer a reminder that even the most successful films are often the result of hard-fought battles and compromises. Meanwhile, the news of a potential sequel, albeit without Tennant’s involvement, has sparked interest among longtime fans, who are eager to see how the story of Alex Hitchens might evolve in the future.
