John Mulaney is in early talks to star as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros.’ “Get Smart” reboot, with Seth Grahame-Smith set to write the screenplay. The 2008 film adaptation, which grossed $230.6M worldwide, remains a touchstone for the franchise’s potential.
John Mulaney is in early talks to star as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros.’ “Get Smart” reboot, with Seth Grahame-Smith set to write the screenplay. The project, still in development, marks a potential return to the spy comedy genre for the four-time Emmy winner, who next will appear in the David O. Russell feature “Madden.” The reboot’s writers and producers are drawing from the original 1960s series, which ran for 138 episodes and earned seven Emmys, including two for Outstanding Comedy Series.
The Reboot’s Origins
The “Get Smart” franchise began as a 1960s television series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, starring Don Adams as bumbling agent Maxwell Smart. The show, which aired on NBC and CBS from 1965 to 1970, followed Smart’s antics as he worked for the secret agency Control, battling the villainous Kaos. The series won seven Emmys and became a cultural touchstone, later inspiring a 1980 film and a 1995 revival. The 2008 film adaptation, starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne Johnson, opened to $38.6M domestically and grossed $230.6M worldwide, cementing its place in the franchise’s history.
Producers Chuck Roven and Andrew Lazar, who oversaw the 2008 film, are returning.
Mulaney’s Potential Role
Mulaney’s potential casting as Maxwell Smart has sparked discussion about how he might reinterpret the iconic character. The original Smart, portrayed by Don Adams, was a confident fool whose incompetence often led to unintended victories. Mulaney, known for his sharp verbal wit and dry delivery, could bring a different energy to the role. Variety noted that Mulaney’s style fits the original character created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry,
contrasting with Steve Carell’s physical comedy in the 2008 film.
The comedian has also been linked to a nine-show New York City tour, Mulaney Takes Manhattan,
set to begin in January. His next film role will be in David O. Russell’s “Madden,” where he plays Trip Hawkins, the founder of the video game giant Electronic Arts. However, the “Get Smart” reboot could position Mulaney as a leading comedic force in a major studio project, following his success hosting Saturday Night Live
six times and his critically acclaimed stand-up specials.
The 2008 Film’s Legacy
The 2008 “Get Smart” film, directed by Peter Segal, remains a pivotal reference point for the reboot. It opened to $38.6M domestically, finished with $130.3M in U.S. earnings, and grossed $230.6M worldwide. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s financial success ensured its place in the franchise. The reboot’s writers and producers are likely to study its reception, particularly the critique that it prioritized spectacle over the original series’ satirical charm.
Source material from THR highlights the 2008 film’s shortcomings, with Honeycutt’s review emphasizing the gap between the original series and its cinematic adaptation. The reboot’s success may hinge on whether it can recapture the balance of humor and absurdity that defined the 1960s show.
Industry Reactions
The potential casting has generated interest within the entertainment industry, with outlets noting that Mulaney’s involvement gives the project immediate comedic weight.
The reboot’s producers, Roven and Lazar, have a history of navigating comedy films, having worked on the 2008 “Get Smart” and other studio projects. Their return signals confidence in the franchise’s viability, though the project’s development stage means details remain sparse.
Industry analysts have pointed to the challenges of reviving classic properties, particularly those with strong nostalgic appeal. The 2008 film’s mixed reception underscores the risks of adapting a beloved series for modern audiences. However, the reboot’s focus on the original series’ humor—rather than a direct sequel—could offer a fresh approach. Deadline noted that the project is early in the works,
with no official release date or production timeline announced.
What’s Next
The project’s next steps will likely depend on Grahame-Smith’s screenplay and Warner Bros.’ vision for the franchise. Industry insiders suggest that the studio may seek to balance nostalgia with contemporary humor, a challenge that has defined previous attempts to adapt the series.
Mulaney’s involvement, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in the franchise’s direction. His comedic style, which contrasts with Carell’s, could redefine the character for a new generation. However, the reboot’s success will ultimately depend on its ability to honor the original series’ spirit while appealing to modern audiences. For now, the project remains a tantalizing but unconfirmed prospect, with details expected to emerge as development progresses.
