John Mulaney in Talks to Lead Warner Bros.' 'Get Smart' Reimagining

Hollywood's love of a good reboot shows no signs of slowing down, and Warner Bros.' latest revival project comes with a seriously exciting name attached. According to TheWrap, John Mulaney is being eyed to star in a reimagining of the classic spy comedy Get Smart — and honestly, the pairing feels almost too perfect.

A Classic Franchise Gets a Fresh Coat of Paint

Originally created by comedy legends Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, Get Smart first landed on NBC screens in 1965, following the bumbling but lovable secret agent Maxwell Smart. The show ran for five seasons — hopping over to CBS for its final year — and wrapped up in 1970 after earning seven Emmy Awards, including two wins for Outstanding Comedy Series. The franchise got a big-screen refresh in 2008 when Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway teamed up for a feature film adaptation that pulled in more than $230 million worldwide. Now, a whole new generation is about to get introduced to Agent 86.

The reimagining is still in early development, but the team already assembled behind the scenes is turning heads. Seth Grahame-Smith, the writer behind The Lego Batman Movie, is crafting the screenplay. Meanwhile, acclaimed Oppenheimer producer Charles Roven is on board alongside producer Andrew Lazar. That combination of sharp comedic writing and heavyweight producing pedigree sets the stage for something genuinely compelling.

Why Mulaney Makes So Much Sense

If you've ever watched John Mulaney work a crowd, you already understand why his name is circling this project. The Chicago-born comedian has built one of the most distinctive voices in the business — cerebral, self-deprecating, immaculately timed. His Emmy-winning specials, Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018) and Baby J (2023), cemented his status as one of the best stand-ups of his generation. And those who've followed his career know he's no stranger to taking unexpected swings that pay off.

Beyond the stage, Mulaney's on-screen résumé is quietly impressive. He spent six seasons writing for Saturday Night Live, where he and Bill Hader co-created the beloved "Weekend Update" character Stefon. His acting credits span animation — including the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Disney+'s Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers — to Netflix's Big Mouth and the live-comedy special John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA. There's a reason casting directors keep circling back to him: he's versatile, charismatic, and knows how to land a joke with almost surgical precision.

Maxwell Smart is, at his core, a character who succeeds despite himself — earnest, a little oblivious, and endlessly watchable. It's easy to imagine Mulaney bringing a modern, self-aware warmth to that archetype without losing what made the original so beloved.

The Bigger Picture for Comedy Fans

The news arrives at an interesting moment for the world of comedy. Comedians stepping into major studio franchise roles has become something of a trend, and it's one that tends to work best when the performer genuinely fits the material rather than simply filling a seat. Fellow stand-up Mike Birbiglia has also been making waves recently by pivoting toward larger creative projects, signaling that the line between the comedy club and the studio lot continues to blur in fascinating ways.

For now, the Get Smart reimagining remains in the early stages, meaning plenty of details — including whether Mulaney officially signs on — are yet to be confirmed. But with this much talent already orbiting the project, it's definitely one to keep a close eye on. Consider this your official heads-up to brush up on your knowledge of the Cone of Silence.

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