“Sweet Home Alabama” would have been very different if its original story and actors had been utilized.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the iconic romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, and Josh Lucas, Insider met with the film’s director, Andy Tennant, who recounted the film’s rough beginnings.
“The script was presented to me; it wasn’t very good. Everyone in town had passed on it “Tennant remarked.
Tennant stated he was in “director jail” after the box office failure of “Anna and the King” in 1999, but when “Sweet Home Alabama” came around again, he decided to direct it. But he was still uninterested in the script.
“The script was as terrible,” Tennant stated. “I believe that Reese’s character’s fiancé was a complete tool, while the man from the South was a sexy, handsome man. I believe he drove stock cars.”
Tennant stated that he and his writing partner Rick Parks came up with the following concept: “Why don’t we make a love triangle in which the alternatives are between a terrific guy and the right guy?”
The pair entirely reworked the script, but encountered an issue. Charlize Theron was attached to play the lead in the film, but she disliked the script.
2002 Charlize Theron.
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In the late 1990s/early 2000s, as the film was being created, Theron was just beginning to become a star thanks to films such as “The Devil’s Advocate,” “The Cider House Rules,” “The Yards,” and “Sweet November.”
“Charlize and her production business were the project’s original backers,” Tennant explained. “They intended for Charlize to star in the film. When I collaborated with Rick on the revision, I don’t believe she was a fan, and therefore everyone split ways.”
However, because of “Legally Blonde,” Tennant’s film swiftly found a new protagonist.
“When “Legally Blonde” was released, the studio called me and asked, “What do you think of Reese Witherspoon?” I said, ‘I’ve known her since she was 15 years old. She would be fantastic.”
When Witherspoon was a teenager, Tennant starred in a television film with her, and the two have remained in contact ever since.
Reese Witherspoon in “Legally Blonde” (2001).
MGM Studios
“I had lunch with her shortly before submitting the script for ‘Sweet Home Alabama,'” he recounted. “Just as we were catching up, I inquired, “What have you been up to?” And she added, “I made this film that nobody will see.” It’s ridiculous, but it was a lot of fun to make. This turned out to be the film ‘Legally Blonde.’ And when she asked what I was doing, I responded, “We just scripted a movie, but I’m not sure if it will ever be produced.””
The 2001 release of “Legally Blonde” was a box office success and established Witherspoon as a star. She was promptly cast in the leading role in “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Tennant stated, “The only reason ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was done was because of ‘Legally Blonde.