The 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes, remains a beloved classic, thanks to its charming performances, witty dialogue, and memorable moments. One of the film’s most iconic scenes—the brownstone stoop conversation between Smith’s character, Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, and Mendes’s Sara Melas—has become a standout moment in romantic comedy history. What many fans may not know, however, is that this scene was largely improvised and filmed on the stoop of a celebrity’s home. In a recent interview, Hitch director Andy Tennant shared the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how this unforgettable moment came to life.
The scene in question takes place early in the film, as Hitch and Sara sit on the steps of a brownstone in New York City, engaging in a playful and flirtatious conversation. It’s a pivotal moment in their relationship, showcasing their chemistry and setting the stage for the romance that follows. According to Tennant, the scene was not originally part of the script but was added during production to address a narrative gap.
“We realized we needed a moment where Hitch and Sara could really connect,” Tennant explained. “The script had them meeting and interacting, but we wanted something more intimate, something that would let the audience see the sparks between them. So, we decided to write a scene on the fly.”
The challenge, however, was finding the right location. The production team needed a quintessential New York City brownstone stoop that would serve as the perfect backdrop for the scene. After scouting several locations, they stumbled upon a brownstone that fit the bill—but there was a catch. The home belonged to a celebrity, who agreed to let the crew film on their property under one condition: the shoot had to be quick and discreet.
“We were under a lot of pressure to get the scene done quickly,” Tennant recalled. “We didn’t have the luxury of multiple takes or a lot of time to set up. It was a real ‘run-and-gun’ situation, but sometimes those constraints can lead to something magical.”
The spontaneity of the shoot extended to the dialogue as well. While the scene had a basic outline, much of the conversation between Smith and Mendes was improvised. Tennant encouraged the actors to play off each other and let their natural chemistry guide the scene.
“Will and Eva are both incredibly talented and intuitive actors,” Tennant said. “I told them to just go with it, to let the conversation flow naturally. And they absolutely nailed it. The banter, the flirtation, the little moments of vulnerability—it all came from them.”
The result is a scene that feels authentic and effortless, capturing the essence of two people getting to know each other in a way that’s both charming and relatable. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with Hitch and Sara trading playful barbs and revealing glimpses of their personalities. It’s a masterclass in romantic comedy writing and acting, made even more impressive by the fact that it was largely unscripted.
One of the most memorable moments in the scene comes when Hitch tries to impress Sara by claiming he can teach her how to dance in just three moves. The exchange is both funny and endearing, showcasing Smith’s charisma and Mendes’s ability to hold her own against him. According to Tennant, this moment was entirely improvised.
“Will came up with the idea of teaching her to dance on the spot,” Tennant said. “It was one of those moments where you just let the actors run with it, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the film.”
The brownstone stoop scene also serves as a visual metaphor for the characters’ relationship. The setting—a quiet, intimate space in the middle of a bustling city—reflects the idea of finding a moment of connection amidst the chaos of life. It’s a theme that resonates throughout the film, as Hitch and Sara navigate the challenges of love, trust, and vulnerability.
For Tennant, the scene’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and spontaneity in filmmaking. “Sometimes the best moments come when you’re willing to take risks and trust your instincts,” he said. “That scene could have easily fallen flat, but because of the talent and creativity of everyone involved, it became something really special.”
The impact of the brownstone stoop scene extends beyond the film itself. It has become a cultural touchstone, referenced and parodied in countless other movies and TV shows. For fans of Hitch, it’s a reminder of why the film remains so beloved—its ability to capture the magic of falling in love, one witty conversation at a time.
Looking back on the making of Hitch, Tennant expressed gratitude for the experience and the lasting legacy of the film. “It’s rare to work on a project that resonates with people the way Hitch has,” he said. “That scene, in particular, seems to have struck a chord with audiences, and I think it’s because it feels real. It’s not overly polished or perfect—it’s messy and human, just like love itself.”
As for the celebrity whose stoop served as the backdrop for the iconic scene, Tennant remained tight-lipped about their identity. “I’ll never tell,” he said with a laugh. “Some secrets are best left untold.”
In the end, the brownstone stoop scene is a perfect example of how some of the most memorable moments in film come from unexpected places. Whether it’s a last-minute addition to the script, an improvised line of dialogue, or a serendipitous location, these elements can come together to create something truly magical. For Hitch, that magic has endured, making the film—and its iconic stoop scene—a timeless celebration of love, laughter, and the joy of connection.