Comedian John Mulaney is in early talks to star in a feature film adaptation of the classic 1960s television spy spoof “Get Smart” at Warner Bros. Pictures, according to reporting from The Hollywood Reporter. The project is currently in early development, with “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” writer Seth Grahame-Smith penning the screenplay.
Production Team and Creative Lineup Behind the New Project
Warner Bros. Pictures has tapped established producers Charles Rovan and Andrew Lazar to steer the feature reimagining. According to industry reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the production brings together experienced creative forces to translate the decades-old television property for modern audiences.
Seth Grahame-Smith, whose screenwriting credits include “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” is attached to write the script.
Did you know?
The original “Get Smart” television series won seven Emmy Awards during its broadcast run, including two for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Origins and History of the Original “Get Smart” Series
The original spy spoof series was created by comedy legends Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, according to network broadcast records. The show initially ran for four seasons on NBC before moving to CBS for its final season, airing overall from 1965 to 1970.
Don Adams famously starred as the bumbling, know-it-all counterintelligence operative Maxwell Smart, also known as Agent 86. He was paired on screen with Barbara Feldon, who played the much more competent Agent 99, and Edward Platt, who portrayed the agency leader known simply as the Chief. The characters worked for Control, a secret U.S. government counterintelligence agency locked in a perpetual struggle with its villainous rival organization, Kaos.
Comparing Previous Adaptations and Box Office Performance
The upcoming feature starring John Mulaney follows previous attempts to revive the classic television property outside of its original run. Following the 1965–1970 broadcast, the franchise generated two feature films and a short-lived television revival series during the 1990s.
Most recently, Warner Bros. released a feature film adaptation in 2008 starring Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart, Anne Hathaway as Agent 99, and Dwayne Johnson. According to box office tracking data, that iteration received mixed reviews from critics but grossed $230 million globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is writing the screenplay for the new “Get Smart” film?
Seth Grahame-Smith is writing the screenplay for the Warner Bros. Pictures project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Who originally created the “Get Smart” television series?
The series was created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, premiering on NBC in 1965.
Which actors starred in the 2008 feature film adaptation?
The 2008 film starred Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne Johnson.
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