Director Andy Tennant Reflects on Creative Clashes with Will Smith During 'Hitch' Production

Despite tensions and last-minute changes, the 2005 romantic comedy became a global box office success, earning $371 million.

Andy Tennant, director of 'Hitch,' revealed ongoing creative disagreements with Will Smith during the film's production, including script revisions and differing visions for the movie.
Smith reportedly attempted to halt production just three days before filming began, citing concerns about the script, but ultimately moved forward with the project.
Key scenes, such as the accidental kiss between Smith and Kevin James, were improvised or written on the day of filming, showcasing the collaborative but chaotic nature of the shoot.
The Ellis Island scene was initially resisted by Smith but was included after a personal connection to the location was discovered by his producing partner, James Lassiter.
Despite initial doubts from both Tennant and Smith, 'Hitch' was well-received by audiences, achieving record-breaking box office success for a romantic comedy at the time.