How the ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ Reboot Series Differs From the OG Movie

In 2005, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt modified the cultural panorama once they co-starred in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This notoriously led to Brad leaving Jennifer Aniston for Angelina in one of the vital well-known celeb relationship scandals. However the on-screen story was practically as impactful. It tells the story of a husband and spouse who every lead a secret life as a spy, unbeknownst to one another. 

As their story is informed by {couples} counseling classes, we see that irrespective of how outrageous an individual’s secrets and techniques are, honesty is at all times the perfect coverage. Whereas the film had its fair proportion of unfavourable critiques for the overabundance of motion, little character improvement, and predictable story, Brad and Angelina’s chemistry took over as Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s centerpiece. Now, a Prime Video collection is aiming to copy that with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. With that, there are many similarities and variations between the OG movie and the 2024 collection.

Distinction: Casting and Style

Donald is understood for starring in and creating Atlanta, in addition to a number of of his roles in comedic tasks like Neighborhood and 30 Rock. Maya Erskine is most well-known for starring in and creating Pen15, so this collection went in a little bit of a special path than the unique movie. As an alternative of casting dreamy motion stars, Prime Video is leaning into the inventive minds and comedic stylings of Donald and Maya. 

This distinction creates a completely completely different focus within the style of the collection. Whereas the unique targeted extra on the motion and romance facet of the couple’s relationship, the reboot leans into the comedy. Due to Donald and Maya’s timing and comedic experience, there are laugh-out-loud moments absent from the unique movie. 

Similarity: The Mysterious Spy Group

Within the movie and the collection, Mr. and Mrs. Smith each work for mysterious spy organizations. The large bosses behind these organizations stay secret till the tip. Whereas the organizations stay off-screen more often than not, they’re like gods looming over the protagonists. Jane and John Smith’s fates are of their bosses’ arms. However the individual (or individuals) behind the organizations stay nameless, making us surprise if Jane and John are on the facet of fine or evil.

Distinction: The Premise

Within the movie, Jane and John Smith get married to 1 one other as a canopy, however neither is aware of the opposite is a spy. Nonetheless, within the Prime Video collection, they’re really in an organized marriage by the group. In a approach, it’s the other of the unique premise. Whereas Angelina and Brad’s Smiths met organically (on a mission), Donald and Maya’s Smiths are pressured to dwell and work collectively as a spy husband and spouse. Ideally, by their jobs, the hope is that they’ll fall into an natural actual relationship. The one secrets and techniques they’ve are about their previous — who had been they of their previous lives earlier than they took on the identities of Jane and John Smith?

Similarity: Motion and Romance Are in Abundance

It’s laborious to genuinely mix motion and romance with out feeling like a pressured James Bond male savior second. However in each the movie and the collection, motion and romance are units by which to view their relationship. Within the collection, as their skilled relationship grows, so does their private relationship. Love and work turn into intertwined as heavy motion sequences showcase how Mr. and Mrs. Smith battle for one another each figuratively and actually.

Distinction: The Underlying Message

The Mr. and Mrs. Smith film was a transparent analogy for working by marital issues. A husband and spouse each have secrets and techniques. Once they first be taught the reality, they’re livid. However ultimately, the reality brings them nearer collectively.

The collection takes a way more complicated perspective on what relationships are and the way they are often shaped. In 2024, relationship apps are the primary approach individuals meet their spouses, and Prime Video’s collection treats the spy group like a relationship app. However as two individuals are “matched,” they have to discover ways to dwell with each other and perhaps even discover love by the hazard. However in doing so, they query in the event that they’re suitable long-term and if it’s love or just circumstance. It’s a way more nuanced take a look at relationships that may’t merely be solved by “being trustworthy” in an age the place relationship apps and situationships are king.

For many who didn’t vibe with the unique Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Prime Video reboot is unquestionably completely different sufficient between its casting, humor, and perspective, that it’s price a watch regardless.