Hitch director Andy Tennant shared some behind-the-scenes drama while working with Will Smith in the film and an exciting update on the rumored sequel.
The 2005 romantic comedy has become one of the beloved films in the genre for the last 20 years as it still endures among the audience up to this day with its unique take on romance and Smith's charismatic performance.
Hitch Director Andy Tennant Gets Candid on Clashing with Will Smith While Making the Film
In a recent interview, Tennant gets candid about his experience working with Smith on Hitch and how they often clash during the making of the film.
"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," the director said.
"[Smith’s wife] Jada [Pinkett Smith] was a big help. She kind of seconded some of my instincts. There was a time during prep when I was pushing back on a lot of crazy shit that was happening."
Tennant continued, "There was a draft that Will brought in that I was not a fan of. I finally told the studio that I was more afraid of Will making that version of the movie than I was about them firing me."
"Because I knew they were right on the edge of firing me before we even began shooting. And to Will’s credit, we didn’t go with that draft. I don’t think I was ever in anyone’s favor."
The creative differences led to Smith almost quitting the project before filming began.
"There was a lot of fear doing a big, expensive romantic comedy with Will. It was fraught with peril. Will tried to back out three days before we started shooting. He wanted to shut down and work on it some more. It was madness," Tennant admitted.
Hitch Sequel in the Works from Will Smith's Production Company
With Hitch becoming a massive box office success when it was released in 2005 and its rom-com classic status in the years after, fans have been wondering whether a sequel is still in the works.
After all, it's been a trend recently in Hollywood to do a "legacy sequel" to classic films with the original stars returning.
Tennant shared that a sequel is in development under Smith's production company without his involvement.
"But I guess Will is developing a Hitch sequel without me, I just found out about it three months ago. I had a really good idea for a sequel, and I was talking to an executive at Sony, and he said Will’s production company is developing a sequel. Hey, that’s Hollywood," he revealed.
Despite their clashes while making the film, Tennant clarified that he doesn’t "have anything against Will" and he hasn't heard from him ever since the release.
What do you think of the director's remarks about Smith? Let us know in the comments!
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