February 11th 2025.
Will Smith and Eva Mendes were the stars of the show when the iconic romantic comedy, Hitch, premiered two decades ago. Directed by Andy Tennant, the movie was released on February 11, 2005 after a tumultuous shoot that left Tennant convinced he had ruined both Smith's and his own career. The story follows Smith as Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a professional "date doctor" who helps men woo women into long-term relationships. However, things get complicated when he falls for celebrity journalist Sara Melas, played by Mendes, while helping client Albert Brennaman, played by Kevin Smith, win over superstar Allegra Cole, played by Amber Valetta.
Despite the challenges faced during production, Hitch became an instant classic, earning over $371 million at the global box office and ranking as the third highest grossing romantic comedy of all time. However, director Andy Tennant admits that the success came as a complete surprise to him, as he recalls the chaotic and intense nature of the shoot. In a recent interview, he shared his experience working with Smith and the rest of the cast, as well as the writing process that often occurred on the fly.
Tennant revealed that he first came across the script for Hitch after being introduced to a creative executive at Smith's production company. After signing on as director and assembling his cast, the team got to work on filming, which is when things took a turn for the worse. The director admitted that he and Smith often clashed while on set, and the script was constantly being rewritten, sometimes even on the day of shooting. However, Tennant credits his team of editors for helping to piece the film together, and for giving him the belief that the movie would be funny.
One of the key scenes in the movie, where Hitch's smooth tactics fail to impress Sara and instead make her angry, was actually suggested by writer Susanna Grant. Tennant recalls this moment as a breakthrough for the production, and credits the string of other writers who worked on the film for ensuring that it "never went off the tracks". Despite the chaotic nature of the shoot, the director has nothing but praise for the cast, including Smith, Mendes, Smith, James, and Valetta, who he says were a "lucky piece of alchemy" that made the movie a success.
One particular scene that almost never made it into the movie has now become one of the most beloved among fans. The crew stumbled upon a beautiful street in Manhattan and extended their allotted time to film a scene there, which ended up being a highlight of the film. Looking back on the 20th anniversary of Hitch, Tennant admits that the experience was a rough ride and that at times he wasn't sure if he would be able to make the movie the way he envisioned it. But with the support of the studio and his team, Hitch became a hit and has remained a beloved classic for romance and comedy fans alike.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hitch, we can't help but remember how Will Smith and Eva Mendes stole the show when the movie premiered two decades ago. It was a huge success, raking in over $371 million at the box office and becoming the third highest grossing romantic comedy of all time.
Director Andy Tennant was initially filled with anxiety and fear that he had "ruined Will Smith's career" and his own during the chaotic and challenging shoot. But as the movie was released on February 11, 2005, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The movie follows the story of professional "date doctor" Alex Hitchins, played by Will Smith, who helps men woo women into long-term relationships. However, his skills are put to the test when Albert Brennaman, played by Kevin Smith, hires him to impress celebrity Allegra Cole, portrayed by Amber Valetta. As Hitch sparks a connection with celebrity journalist Sara Melas, played by Eva Mendes, their budding romance is threatened when she discovers the truth about his line of work and his connection to Albert and Allegra.
Despite its success, the making of Hitch was no easy feat. Director Andy Tennant recalls the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the shoot, where the script was often thrown out and scenes were written on the fly. He credits his team of editors for piecing the movie together and making it the hit that it was.
As Andy and Will worked together, they clashed and rewrote scenes constantly, resulting in a movie that was different from what they initially envisioned. But their collaboration and improvisation ultimately resulted in a lucky piece of alchemy that audiences loved.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the duo. Andy reveals that there were moments when he thought his career was over and that he had ruined Will's as well. But with the support of his team and the trust they had built, they were able to create a funny and memorable movie that remains a fan favorite to this day.
One of the most iconic scenes from Hitch almost never made it to the final cut. It happened by accident when the crew saw the beauty of the Manhattan street they were filming on and rushed to extend their allotted time. This scene, like many others, was a result of the team's creativity and spontaneity, making the movie an even bigger success.
As we look back on Hitch 20 years later, we can't help but appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into creating this beloved rom-com. It may have been a challenging and chaotic process, but it ultimately resulted in a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences.
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