Andy Tennant revealed that while creating the romantic comedy 'Hitch' in 2005, he faced creative conflicts with star Will Smith regarding a pivotal scene at Ellis Island. Initially, Smith rejected the scene, believing there were no Black immigrants who came through the site. However, after learning that his producing partner's ancestors had immigrated via Ellis Island, he agreed to film it. The movie has since become a classic, showcasing the successful chemistry between Smith and Eva Mendes, alongside Kevin James' comedy.
I begged him to come out to Ellis Island so I could at least pitch it.
Though the island is largely known for being a processing hub for European and Asian immigrants, Black immigrants from the Caribbean also came to the country through Ellis Island.
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