Will Smith Believed Cameron Diaz Wasn't Cast as His Love Interest in 'Hitch' Because of Racism

Key Takeaways
A Lot of Attention Was Given to the Casting in Hitch, Which Saw Will Smith in the Lead Role. However, Even More Thought Was Given to His Love Interest in the Film. Cameron Diaz Was Reportedly Mentioned as a Potential Co-Lead at One Point, but Smith Believed She Didn’t Get the Part Due to Racism.

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Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

A Lot of Attention Was Given to the Casting in Hitch, Which Saw Will Smith in the Lead Role. However, Even More Thought Was Given to His Love Interest in the Film. Cameron Diaz Was Reportedly Mentioned as a Potential Co-Lead at One Point, but Smith Believed She Didn’t Get the Part Due to Racism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Producers Didn’t Think Hitch Would Be Successful with Two Black Leads

Eva Mendes Was Eventually Given the Part in the 2005 Rom-Com Hit. but Although the Actor Might Have Gotten the Role Due to Her Acting Skills, Her Racial Makeup Also Played a Significant Part. According to Today, a Black Actor Wasn’t Cast Alongside Will Smith in Hitch Because Producers Thought It Wouldn’t Draw Audiences.

Will Smith Believed Cameron Diaz Wasn’t Cast as ‘Hitch’ Because of Racism

As Reported by Female First, Cameron Diaz’s Name Was Brought up as a Potential Love Interest for Smith. the Idea Never Took Form, and Smith Largely Credits That to Studios Being Uncomfortable Depicting an Interracial Relationship on-Screen.

Will Smith Almost Wasn’t Cast in ‘Independence Day’ Because of His Race

Roland Emmerich Recently Told the Hollywood Reporter That There Was Some Initial Pushback Against Casting Will Smith in Independence Day. Ethan Hawke Was Considered, but Emmerich Figured He Was Too Young at the Time. When Emmerich Brought up Smith, the Studio Listed Several Factors Why He Wouldn’t Work.

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James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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