Get Smart: Will Original Castmembers Really Be in Steve Carrell Movie?

As part of Warner Bros’ Comic-Con promotion, there was a presentation given for the upcoming big-screen adaptation of Get Smart. Director Pete Segal and castmembers Steve Carell, The Rock, Masi Oka, Nate Torrence and Ken Davitian were all in attendance. After showing some preview clips from the movie, the guests took questions from the audience.

They paid homage to the original series with particular mention of series creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, as well as the original Maxwell Smart, Don Adams. Of playing Agent 86, Carell said, “It’s great. It was one of my favorite shows… I’m trying to play tribute to Don Adams, and I don’t think I can ever be as good as he was. It’s an honor for me to be able to do this.”

During the panel, Segal said that Agent 13 and Hymie the Robot would make appearances in the film. Several news outlets have taken this to mean the actors who originally played those roles in the 1960s series. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Back in the TV series, Agent 13 was the guy who popped up in unusual places like mailboxes, vaults, washing machines, and airport lockers. The original Agent 13, Dave Ketchum, could make a cameo appearance but was never approached. Bill Murray is playing the Agent 13 character in the film.

Hymie the Robot was originally played by accomplished author and cartoonist Dick Gautier. Gautier was going to have a role in the film but it fell through. Gautier told us, “No, I did not work on the film. I was initially contacted about playing the President of the U.S. but that part ultimately went to James Caan who had just left Las Vegas.” Gautier was offered another role but decided to pass. He concluded, “I hope the film is good, I think Steve Carell is a brilliant choice for the role.” No word on what form Hymie will have in the film.

What of the other original castmembers? The still gorgeous Barbara Feldon (Agent 99) isn’t part of the picture but Bernie Koppel (the original Siegfried) reportedly has a minor role. Sadly, most of the rest of the original cast are no longer with us. Adams passed away in 2005 and Edward Platt, the original Chief, died in 1974.

It was hinted at the panel that Brooks and Henry may have cameos but that seems unlikely. According to a reliable source, neither have filmed scenes and it seems unlikely that they will. Warner Bros. initially fought against giving them credit, onscreen or financially, for having created the original Get Smart series.

The Get Smart movie trailer (below) is currently in theaters and it seems to be playing well. Will audiences be willing to pay to see the movie in June 2008? Time will tell so stay tuned!