Will Smith was at the peak of his Hollywood reign when he took on the role of Alex Hitchens in Hitch (2005), a romantic comedy that became an instant fan favorite. Known for his effortless charm and improvisational genius, Smith brought his signature energy to the project—but behind the scenes, things weren’t as smooth as they appeared. According to director Andy Tennant, working with Smith wasn’t always easy, as their creative visions often clashed, leading to moments of tension on set.
Two decades after Hitch became a box-office hit, Tennant has finally broken his silence about the rumored conflict. He revealed that he and Smith frequently disagreed over the direction of key scenes, with Smith pushing for more comedic flexibility while Tennant aimed for a balanced, structured narrative. These creative differences reportedly led to heated discussions, with both men refusing to back down. What seemed like a seamless production to audiences was, in reality, a battle between two strong-willed creatives fighting for their vision.
Will Smith’s Battle for Creative Influence on Hitch
During his prime in Hollywood, Will Smith was more than just a leading man—he was a global superstar with a distinct brand. By 2005, his track record with blockbusters like Men in Black and Bad Boys gave him significant influence over his roles, including his portrayal of Alex Hitchens in Hitch. Will Smith, known for his impeccable comedic instincts, reportedly felt that certain scenes didn’t fully capture his signature charm and timing. Insiders claim he pushed for script adjustments to better fit his style, believing they would enhance the film’s humor and authenticity.
However, director Andy Tennant had a clear vision for Hitch and was reluctant to deviate from it, leading to creative clashes on set. While Tennant respected Smith’s input, he remained firm on maintaining the film’s original tone, prioritizing narrative consistency over improvisation. This creative standoff reportedly created tension throughout production, as both men struggled to balance artistic integrity with commercial appeal. Despite these behind-the-scenes disagreements, Hitch went on to become a massive success, proving that even creative friction can sometimes lead to cinematic gold.
The Turning Point: A Heated Exchange on Set
One of the defining moments of their alleged feud came during the filming of a pivotal scene between Smith and co-star Eva Mendes. According to insiders, Smith wanted to tweak the scene to make it more comedic, while Tennant insisted on keeping it grounded in realism.
Eyewitnesses recall a particularly tense exchange where both men refused to back down, leading to a brief production halt. While no physical altercation occurred, the argument reportedly left the cast and crew on edge, uncertain about the film’s direction.
Hollywood Politics and Studio Pressure
Beyond the personal clashes, external studio pressures also played a role in the tension. Columbia Pictures had high expectations for Hitch, banking on Will Smith’s star power to deliver a global hit. Executives reportedly sided with Smith on several occasions, forcing Tennant to make compromises he wasn’t entirely comfortable with.
This interference added another layer of frustration for the director, who felt his authority was being undermined. The power struggle between a director and a leading man isn’t uncommon in Hollywood, but in this case, it nearly jeopardized the smooth production of Hitch.
How the Feud Affected the Film’s Legacy
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Hitch went on to become a massive success, grossing over $371 million worldwide. Fans loved Smith’s effortless charm and his chemistry with Mendes, while Tennant’s direction helped deliver a feel-good rom-com that remains a favorite to this day.
However, Tennant’s recent revelation has reshaped the film’s legacy. What was once seen as a seamless production is now understood to have been riddled with creative battles. It also sheds light on the immense pressures that come with balancing artistic vision and commercial expectations in Hollywood.
Where Will Smith and Andy Tennant Stand Today
Two decades later, both men have moved on to different projects, but the lingering effects of their feud still raise questions. Tennant’s career continued in the rom-com genre, directing films like The Bounty Hunter, while Smith navigated various highs and lows in Hollywood, including his Oscar win and the infamous Chris Rock slap controversy.
As for their relationship today, neither has confirmed whether they’ve fully reconciled. While Smith has yet to publicly respond to Tennant’s comments, fans are left wondering if the two will ever collaborate again—or if Hitch was the last time they would share a set.
