‘Hitch’ helmer Andy Tennant Declares Collaborating With Will Smith Was ‘A Struggle’

Will Smith’s Hitch may have achieved box office success, but the film’s director, Andy Tennant, has stated that the journey of creating the 2005 romantic comedy was not as effortless as it appeared.

In a recent conversation with Business Insider, Tennant shared his thoughts on the creative conflicts with Smith during filming, indicating that their ideas for the film were not on the same page at first. “We had our difficulties,” Tennant stated. “The vision I had for the movie and the vision Will had for it, neither was as successful as what we managed to create together. It was contentious.”

Tennant also claimed that just three days before filming was about to commence, Smith expressed a desire to postpone production.

“He wanted to refine it further,” the director contended, clarifying that Smith attempted to “withdraw” at the final hour. Yet, he praised Jada Pinkett Smith for her role in resolving the matter, saying, “Jada was incredibly supportive. She validated some of my instincts. There was a point during the pre-production phase when I was resisting a lot of outrageous things that were occurring.”

Despite the reported tensions behind the scenes, Hitch ultimately earned over $370 million globally and remains one of Smith’s most beloved films. The movie portrayed Smith as a professional “date doctor” assisting clients in navigating relationships, featuring Eva Mendes and Kevin James in breakout performances.

Now, two decades later, Smith is said to be moving ahead with a Hitch sequel—but without Tennant’s involvement. “I just discovered this three months ago,” Tennant mentioned.

“I had a great concept for a sequel, and I was in discussions with an executive at Sony when he told me Will’s production company is working on a sequel.” While he didn’t disclose specifics about his own idea, Tennant acknowledged the situation with a nonchalant attitude: “Well, that’s Hollywood.”

Smith has yet to provide comments on the progress of Hitch 2, but the sequel would add to what is shaping up to be a busy year for the actor. Alongside his film return, Smith is preparing to release his first album in over two decades, Based on a True Story, in March via SLANG Recordings.

The album rollout began last year with “You Can Make It” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, marking his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. This was followed by “Work of Art” alongside Russ and Jaden Smith, “TANTRUM” with Joyner Lucas, and the most recent single, “Beautiful Scars” featuring Big Sean and Obanga.

Smith described the project as his most intimate to date, telling Billboard</em} last month, “I’m more artistic than I’ve ever been, a better actor than I’ve ever been, a better poet than I’ve ever been … I’m going to excel on stage like never before. I’m just incredibly excited about this next creative chapter in my life and career.”

Smith also revealed plans to release not just one but three albums under the Based on a True Story label, describing them as “three seasons of a musical television series.” The first part, Rave in the Wasteland, is set to drop in March and will feature songs crafted in the wake of the 2022 Oscars. The second album, The Gift of Madness, is scheduled for June and is inspired by a Quincy Jones quote regarding artists who “believe that impossible things can occur.” A third installment is anticipated by the end of the year.

As part of his musical comeback, Smith has already performed two sold-out concerts in San Diego and is set to headline France’s Positiv Festival on July 31. He shared with Billboard, “Getting back out there and connecting with people and feeling the energy keeps my creativity alive.”

• Source: NEWHD MEDIA