John Mulaney is in talks to star as Agent Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros.' upcoming "Get Smart" reboot, marking a major comedic casting move for the studio's revival of the classic spy spoof franchise.
The project remains in early development, with Seth Grahame-Smith attached to write the screenplay. Grahame-Smith recently penned "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," the 2025 sequel to the magic-heist franchise, establishing his credentials in high-concept comedy-thriller territory. Andrew Lazar and Chuck Roven produce, both veterans of major studio tentpoles. Lazar shepherded the "Jungle Book" remakes and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." while Roven's credits span "Wonder Woman" through multiple DC projects.
Mulaney's involvement signals Warner Bros.' confidence in grounding the reboot in character-driven comedy rather than pure spectacle. The comedian brings stand-up credibility, voice acting pedigree from Netflix's "Big Mouth," and film experience spanning "SNL" hosting to his Emmy-winning Netflix specials. His sensibility aligns with the absurdist, deadpan humor required for Maxwell Smart. Don Adams' original portrayal of the bumbling agent became television history through the 1960s series and its subsequent adaptations, including Mel Brooks' 1995 theatrical film starring Steve Carell, which grossed over $230 million worldwide.
The Carell version established the modern template: romantic comedy beats, action set pieces, and a central performance built on comic timing and physical comedy. That film's success justifies another swing at the IP, particularly with streaming and legacy audiences now driving theatrical revivals. WB clearly reads the market as hungry for smart spy comedies that can thread the needle between real stakes and genuine laughs.
Grahame-Smith's involvement carries weight beyond resume padding. He wrote "Dark Shadows" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," demonstrating an ability to blend genre mechanics with comedic tone. His "Now You See Me" work proves he can juggle ensemble casts and multiple plot threads while maintaining comedic rhythm. For "Get Smart," his challenge becomes translating 1960s sitcom premises into a modern spy-thriller framework without losing the absurdist core that makes Maxwell Smart endure.
Timing matters here. Spy comedies have underperformed recently compared to spy-action hybrids, yet nostalgia-driven reboots continue attracting A-list talent. Mulaney's choice to circle this project reflects broader industry shifts toward IP that offers creative safety nets alongside movie-star vehicles. He's positioned himself as comedy's thinking-person's lead, capable of elevating material while delivering genuine laughs.
WB's development path typically runs 18-24 months minimum for projects at this early stage. Mulaney's schedule includes ongoing Netflix commitments and stand-up obligations, so any start date remains fluid. The studio will likely spend the coming months refining Grahame-Smith's script before formalizing deals.