A Hitch sequel is reportedly in the works—this time with Will Smith at the helm, according to the film’s original director, Andy Tennant. The Hitch director recently revealed that Smith’s production company is developing the sequel without him.
In an interview with Business Insider, Tennant shared that he had pitched his own idea for a follow-up to the hit 2005 romantic comedy but later learned that Smith had already moved forward with his own plans.
“I guess Will is developing a Hitch sequel without me,” Tennant said. “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 when they told me Will’s production company was already developing it. Hey, that’s Hollywood.”
The original Hitch—which starred Smith as a “date doctor” helping awkward men level up their dating game—was a box office success, grossing $370 million worldwide. Eva Mendes and Kevin James co-starred in the fan-favorite romcom.
Tennant admitted there were creative differences between him and Smith during the making of Hitch, but he still looks back on the experience fondly. “The movie I wanted to make and the movie Will wanted to make—neither would’ve been as good as the movie we made together,” he explained. “It was a battle. There was even a draft that Will brought in that I was not a fan of. But to Will’s credit, we didn’t go with that draft.”
While Tennant is no longer in touch with Smith, he credits Jada Pinkett Smith for helping smooth over some of the creative tension during production. “Jada was a big help,” he said. “She seconded some of my instincts when I was pushing back on some of the crazier stuff during prep.”
As for what Smith’s sequel will look like? Details are still under wraps, but given his recent string of hits—including Bad Boys for Life, which grossed over $400 million—it’s safe to say Smith’s staying busy. Along with Hitch 2, he’s also got I Am Legend 2, The Council, Resistor, and Bad Boys 5 in development.
No word yet on when Hitch 2 will officially hit screens, but one thing is for sure—Will Smith is keeping the love-doctor magic alive.