Behind-the-scenes drama of Hitch: Will Smith’s clashes, last-minute scripts, iconic scenes, and sequel plans revealed.
What Sparked the Tension Between Will Smith and Director Andy Tennant?
Making Hitch wasn’t all smooth sailing. Director Andy Tennant and Will Smith clashed during pre-production, with Tennant wanting heartfelt storytelling and Smith pushing for broader comedy.
Three days before filming, Smith even tried to shut down production to rewrite the script—a move Tennant called “madness.”
How Did a Last-Minute Scene Become the Movie’s Highlight?
The accidental kiss between Smith and Kevin James—a fan-favorite moment—wasn’t even in the original script.
James convinced a hesitant Smith to shoot the scene, which was written and filmed in just three hours.
Tennant credits James’s persuasion for saving what became “one of the best scenes in the movie.”
Why Did Will Smith Fight the Ellis Island Scene?
Smith initially refused to film the Ellis Island sequence, arguing Black Americans didn’t immigrate through the landmark.
But after discovering his producer’s family history there, he relented.
Ironically, Smith—who couldn’t swim—still gamely filmed the jet-ski gag, crew safety concerns be darned.
Did the Cast Think Hitch Would Flop?
Both Smith and Tennant assumed the movie was a disaster. At the Vegas test screening, Tennant sat between Smith and Sony exec Amy Pascal, bracing for backlash. Instead, the crowd cheered.
Pascal declared, “Box it and ship it!” The film later earned $371 million globally.
Will There Be a Hitch Sequel?
Tennant pitched a sequel idea but recently learned Smith’s team is developing one without him.
“That’s Hollywood,” he shrugged. No hard feelings, though—Tennant still calls the global press tour with Smith “the most amazing trip I’d ever been on.”
Quick Hitch Facts:
- Hitch Budget Conflicts: Will Smith nearly shut down production three days before filming.
- Improv Genius: The iconic kiss scene was written and shot in three hours.
- Ellis Island Surprise: A producer’s family history saved a key romantic moment.
- Box Office Win: Despite doubts, Hitch earned $371 million globally.
- Sequel Drama: Tennant’s sequel idea was sidelined as Smith’s team took over.