Inside the Turbulent Journey of ‘Hitch’: Director Andy Tennant Reveals the Challenges with Will Smith

Inside the Turbulent Journey of ‘Hitch’: Director Andy Tennant Reveals the Challenges with Will Smith

Despite the lighthearted charm of the romantic comedy ‘Hitch’, the process of creating it was anything but simple. Director Andy Tennant shared insights into the intense pre-production phase of the film, emphasizing the creative clashes he experienced with star Will Smith.

The Battle of Creative Visions

Tennant, who previously directed the beloved film ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, disclosed in a recent interview with Business Insider that he and Smith often found themselves at odds during the pre-production of ‘Hitch’.

According to Tennant, his vision differed significantly from Smith’s, leading to a challenging dynamic. He expressed his frustration, stating, “I didn’t want cheap jokes, but he didn’t trust me. We had our difficulties. 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. It was a battle.”

A Tense Pre-Production Phase

As the shooting schedule loomed, tension escalated when Smith considered stepping back from the project. Tennant recounted that just three days prior to filming, Smith wanted to halt production to refine the script further. Tennant reflected on the stress that accompanied making an expensive romantic comedy with a star of Smith’s caliber, saying, “It was fraught with peril.”

He noted that Smith’s desire to change the direction of the film led to moments of chaos, stating, “It was madness.” However, once the shooting began, Tennant noted, “It was a bunch of good creative people doing the best they could.”

Transforming the Script

During pre-production, Smith presented Tennant with a draft of the script that raised concerns for the director. “There was a draft that Will brought in that I was not a fan of,” Tennant admitted. He feared for his job, worrying about potential firing before filming even started. “I was more afraid of Will making that version of the movie than I was about them firing me,” he remarked. Fortunately, they agreed to abandon that version, and Tennant expressed his relief.

The Role of Kevin James

Co-star Kevin James played a pivotal role in convincing Smith to embrace a comedic scene that became one of the film’s highlights. Tennant explained that an accidental kiss between the two characters evolved out of collaborative improvisation. Initially, Smith hesitated, but James encouraged him, assuring him that the scene would be hilarious.

Tennant described how they crafted the scene on the fly. “Will started saying stuff about the 90 and 10: a man goes 90% of the way, and the woman goes 10% on a first kiss,” he recalled. Thanks to James’ enthusiasm, the impromptu moment became one of ‘Hitch’s’ signature scenes.

Unforeseen Differences

Another scene faced contention as Tennant convinced Smith to include a sequence set at Ellis Island. Smith was initially resistant, arguing that African Americans didn’t immigrate through that port. However, after learning that his friend James’ family had in fact come through Ellis Island, they moved forward with the scene.

Tennant noted Smith’s great sportsmanship during filming, even in a scene where his character had to jump into the water after accidentally displacing Mendes from her jet ski. Tennant recalled that concerns about Smith’s swim ability lingered, yet the actor insisted on proceeding, stating, “No, just give me the life vest.”

The Wrap-Up and Unforeseen Success

When filming concluded, Tennant and Smith parted ways with little fanfare. Tennant summarized their feelings about the completion, saying, “I think he felt the same way I did. He thought this movie is a disaster.”

However, an unexpected reception awaited them during the first screening. Tennant vividly remembered attending the test screening in Las Vegas, flanked by Smith on one side and executive Amy Pascal on the other. To his surprise, the audience’s enthusiasm proved transformative. “People were cheering when the movie ended,” he remarked, highlighting the film’s unexpected success.

Pascal’s response reflected her approval, declaring, “You’re done. Box it and ship it.” The film ultimately grossed an impressive $371 million globally, a testament to its popularity.

Reflections on Their Journey

In retrospect, Tennant holds no grudges against Smith, appreciating the complexities of their collaboration. “I don’t have anything against Will,” he reiterated. “It was not an easy job for anybody, but we went around the world with the movie.” The director recalled the journey they shared and how, despite the difficulties, it culminated in a rewarding experience.

The Future of ‘Hitch’

In a twist of fate, Tennant discovered that Smith is now developing a sequel to ‘Hitch’ independently. He had previously submitted his own idea for a follow-up, only to learn just three months ago that Smith’s production company is moving forward with its version. While Tennant felt disappointed, he acknowledged the nature of Hollywood’s creative landscape.

Ultimately, Tennant’s memories of working with Smith remain a mix of challenges and triumphs, highlighting the intricate dynamics of filmmaking. The journey showcases the complexities that often go unnoticed in the final product that audiences enjoy on screen.