John Mulaney Eyed for Get Smart Reboot at Warner Bros

Four-time Emmy winner John Mulaney is reportedly in negotiations to star as the bumbling but brilliant Agent Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros.' upcoming reimagining of the classic spy comedy Get Smart. The project is in its early stages of development, with Seth Grahame-Smith, known for writing the script for "Now You See Me: Now You Don’t," attached to pen the screenplay. This potential casting marks a significant move for Mulaney, whose career has spanned stand-up comedy, television writing, and voice acting, but this would be a leading role in a major studio film.

"Get Smart" originated as a popular television series that aired from 1965 to 1970, created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. The show satirized the spy genre, following the adventures of Maxwell Smart, an agent of the CONTROL agency, and his more competent partner, Agent 99. The series was known for its witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and iconic gadgets, such as the shoe phone. The original series starred Don Adams as Maxwell Smart and Barbara Feldon as Agent 99, with Adams winning multiple Emmy Awards for his performance. The show's success led to several revivals and a feature film adaptation in 2008 starring Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart and Anne Hathaway as Agent 99, which grossed over $230 million worldwide.

Mulaney's involvement, if finalized, would bring his distinctive comedic style to the iconic role. His previous work includes the Netflix specials "Kid Gorgeous at Radio City" and "The Comeback Kid," as well as co-creating and starring in the animated series "Big Mouth" and "Mulaney." He also served as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" for several years. The choice of Mulaney suggests a potential direction for the reboot, possibly leaning into a more character-driven and dialogue-heavy comedic approach, distinct from the broader physical comedy of the 2008 film.

Warner Bros. has been actively developing new projects based on its extensive library of intellectual property. The studio's decision to revisit "Get Smart" indicates a strategy of leveraging established franchises for new cinematic ventures. The early stage of the project means that details regarding the director, other cast members, and the specific creative direction of the reimagining remain undisclosed. However, the reported interest in John Mulaney signals a high-profile talent being considered for the central role, setting an early tone for the anticipated reboot.