Andy Tennant, the director of the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, recently opened up about his tumultuous collaboration with movie star Will Smith during the making of the film. Tennant described the experience as a “wild ride,” revealing that the two creative forces clashed repeatedly over the direction of the project. Despite their differences, the film ultimately became a massive success, grossing over $371 million worldwide and earning a place as one of the most iconic rom-coms of the 2000s. Tennant’s candid reflections offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of bringing Hitch to life and the surprising ways in which artistic disagreements can sometimes lead to greatness.
From the very start, Tennant and Smith had fundamentally different visions for Hitch. Tennant, who had directed films like Sweet Home Alabama, wanted to steer clear of cheap jokes and focus on a more sophisticated, heartfelt story. Smith, on the other hand, had his own ideas about the tone and direction of the movie. The tension between them was palpable, with Tennant admitting that Smith didn’t trust his creative instincts. This lack of trust led to constant back-and-forth over the script, even as filming was underway. At one point, just three days before shooting began, Smith even considered pulling out of the project entirely. He wanted to shut down production and revisit the script, a move that Tennant described as “madness.” Despite these hurdles, the director remained determined to see the film through, even if it meant going toe-to-toe with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
One of the key factors that helped keep the project on track was the involvement of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Tennant credited her with being “a big help” behind the scenes, often supporting his creative instincts when tensions ran high. At one point during pre-production, Tennant found himself pushing back against some of Smith’s more unconventional ideas, including a draft of the script that he flat-out didn’t like. He even went so far as to tell the studio that he was more afraid of Smith’s version of the movie being made than he was of losing his job. To Tennant’s relief, the studio sided with him, and the problematic draft was scrapped. It was a risky move, but Tennant believed it was necessary to ensure the film’s success.
When filming finally began, things didn’t get much smoother. Tennant recalled that the script was being rewritten constantly, with entire scenes being scrapped on the day of shooting. One of the most famous moments in the film—a heartfelt scene where Smith and co-star Kevin James share a kiss on a front porch—was improvised on the spot. Tennant remembered that the crew had no location, no permission, and no plan when they stumbled upon a beautiful brownstone in New York City. In a stroke of luck, the house belonged to actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who gave them permission to film on her doorstep. Moments like these highlighted the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the production, but they also showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of the cast and crew.
Despite the chaos, Tennant left the filming process feeling defeated. He recalled calling his wife and confessing that he had “ruined his career” and Smith’s career too. Smith, it seems, felt the same way. According to Tennant, the actor walked off the set without even saying goodbye, convinced that the movie was a disaster. But then something unexpected happened. When the editors began piecing together the footage, they realized that the film was not only salvageable but actually hilarious. Tennant remembered breaking down in tears when he saw the first cut of the movie, overwhelmed with relief and pride. The film’s test screening in Las Vegas further proved that they had created something special, with audiences cheering and embracing the movie wholeheartedly.
In the end, Hitch went on to enjoy enormous success, both critically and commercially. It opened on Valentine’s Day weekend and broke records for the biggest opening weekend ever for a romantic comedy at the time. Tennant and Smith may have had their differences, but their collaborative effort resulted in a timeless story that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite their rocky relationship during filming, Tennant harbors no ill will toward Smith. He acknowledged that the experience was challenging for everyone involved but emphasized that it was worth it in the end. And while he and Smith haven’t spoken since the film wrapped, Tennant can take pride in knowing that their shared creation continues to delight viewers to this day. The story of Hitch is a testament to the power of collaboration and the idea that even the most difficult creative journeys can lead to something truly special.
