John Mulaney in Early Talks to Star in Warner Bros.’ ‘Get Smart’ Reboot

John Mulaney could be swapping his microphone for a spy gadget. The Emmy-winning comedian is reportedly in early negotiations to take on the lead role in a new “Get Smart” movie being developed by Warner Bros., according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The project aims to reinvent the beloved spy-comedy franchise, with Mulaney potentially stepping into the shoes of Maxwell Smart—the lovably incompetent secret agent originally brought to life by Don Adams in the 1960s television series.

However, the film remains in its initial stages. Mulaney’s casting hasn’t been locked in yet, and the studio hasn’t announced a director or release date.

Mulaney has built his reputation through stand-up comedy, his writing prowess, and his signature deadpan delivery. The comedian spent six seasons as a writer on “Saturday Night Live” and has picked up multiple Emmy Awards for his comedy specials.

Casting Mulaney as Maxwell Smart would bring a distinctly different comedic flavor to the character. Don Adams originally played the role as a confident yet perpetually bumbling operative for the government’s secret intelligence agency, CONTROL.

The original “Get Smart” series, created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, debuted on NBC in 1965 and became a television staple before ending in 1970 after five seasons and 138 episodes. The show became legendary for its sharp spy-genre parody and won seven Emmy Awards.

Seth Grahame-Smith is set to pen the screenplay for the new film. He recently worked on the script for “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.”

Producers Charles “Chuck” Roven and Andrew Lazar are also attached to the project. Both worked on the previous theatrical adaptation, lending some continuity to the franchise’s film history.

Warner Bros. last brought “Get Smart” to theaters in 2008, with director Peter Segal at the helm. Steve Carell played Maxwell Smart in that version, alongside Anne Hathaway as Agent 99 and Dwayne Johnson as Agent 23. The film grossed approximately $230 million worldwide, making it a solid commercial performer.

This new reboot would mark the franchise’s return to multiplexes, though it’s still unclear how much it will draw from the original series or its 2008 predecessor.

For now, the studio remains tight-lipped on production timelines and final casting decisions. If Mulaney signs on, audiences will get a chance to see his take on one of pop culture’s most iconic comedic roles.