Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s iconic film ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ entertained audiences worldwide, but the real drama was happening off-screen. From casting changes to a rumored affair, and international criticism, the making of this action-comedy was a rollercoaster ride.
The Casting Carousel: From Nicole Kidman to Angelina Jolie
When we think of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith,’ Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s electrifying chemistry immediately comes to mind. However, their casting in the lead roles was not without its twists and turns. Originally, Brad Pitt was set to star opposite Nicole Kidman, but due to scheduling conflicts, Kidman had to bow out. This led to Pitt leaving the production as well. The directorial team then considered numerous pairs, including Will Smith and Catherine Zeta Jones, and Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett. Surprisingly, even Gwen Stefani was considered for a role. But it was only when Angelina Jolie was cast that Pitt returned to the project, and the rest is history.
Brangelina: The Affair That Made Headlines
Once filming began, the real-life drama between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took center stage. Brad Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston at the time, and rumors of an affair with Jolie started circulating. The media frenzy around this potential love triangle intensified, and the paparazzi went to great lengths to capture any moments between Pitt and Jolie on set. When Pitt and Aniston announced their separation just six months before the film’s premiere, the speculation reached its peak. Jolie was labeled a homewrecker, and the affair became the focal point of the film’s press. The impact of this off-screen drama undoubtedly played a role in the film’s box office success.
Scheduling Woes and Budget Overruns
Behind the scenes, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ faced a myriad of scheduling difficulties. Brad Pitt’s prior injury from filming ‘Troy’ necessitated further adjustments to the production schedule. Moreover, Pitt had to leave the set for several months to film ‘Ocean’s Twelve.’ The decision to pause production to accommodate Pitt’s commitments proved costly, with the film exceeding its budget by a staggering $26 million. Director Doug Liman’s disorganized shooting style and multiple alternate endings further contributed to the film’s budgetary challenges.
Bogotá’s Outcry: An International Incident
Interestingly, the film’s portrayal of Bogotá, Colombia, created unexpected international criticism. The city’s general secretary expressed his displeasure with the film’s representation of Bogotá as a backward, violent, and chaotic place. He invited the filmmakers to see that the city was vastly different from the negative image portrayed in the movie.
In the end, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ became a blockbuster hit that has withstood the test of time. Despite the challenges faced during its production, the film’s entertaining premise, action-packed sequences, and the undeniable chemistry between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have cemented its place in pop culture history. Behind the scenes, the drama, the affair, and the hurdles only add to the mystique of this iconic film that brought Brangelina into the limelight.
