'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' Move In at ABC
Movie director Liman set to helm pilot
A long-gestating TV version of the 2005 box-office hit "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" has gotten the green light at ABC.

The network has given the go-ahead to start production on the pilot, which is based on the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie movie that made better than $180 million in theaters last year. ABC started development on the show nearly a year ago, but other commitments by its executive producers pushed the start of production back to this season.

The movie's writer, Simon Kinberg, and director, Doug Liman, are each attached to perform the same jobs on the pilot, the showbiz trade papers say. Both will also be executive producers, along with Dave Bartis.

No one has been cast in either of the lead roles yet; Pitt and Jolie, whose real-life romance sparked while they were filming the movie, won't be involved in the show.

Kinberg, who describes the show as "'Married ... with Children' with guns," will set the pilot about six months after the the events of the film. Married assassins John and Jane Smith now know each other's professional secrets, but after a move to a new house, the spark is gone from their marriage.

Liman and Kinberg are currently collaborating on the feature film "Jumper" and are scheduled to film the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" pilot in the spring.

Liman's last TV project was NBC's "Heist" last spring. The "Swingers" and "Bourne Identity" director also helmed the first two episodes of "The O.C." Kinberg's other writing credits inlclude "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "XXX: State of the Union."

IN MY OPINION THIS SHOW CAN EITHER BE A HUGE HIT OR A COMPLETE DUD. I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE DUMBEST MOVES FOR ABC. I DON'T THINK PEOPLE WILL TUNE IN.

DO YOU THINK THIS CAN WORK? WHY OR WHY NOT?

It can't be that dumb of a move. I mean, unless you want to start the "Bring-Six-Degrees-back-for-a-2nd-season-because-its-such-a-good-show" fanclub, if it's another flop, it will just be one on a long list for ABC.

It could work very well with the right people in the key roles. It could be a Hart to Hart for the 21st century.

I'm thinking Z-list celebs will ultimately take the roles. Like freaking Dean Cain.

If they had Dean Cain, I'd certainly watch.

along with Teri Hatcher

I've always liked Dean Cain, but I bet ABC gets bigger stars for it. This could be a huge hit or it could be a flop like Friday Night Lights.

This won't last three weeks, if it ever gets on the air.

I'm someone who saw the trailers for the movie and thought it would be the stupidest thing ever, then was dragged to the movie and loved it.

I read the script for the show... and it's a travesty. Gone was the wit, charm, and elegance. And Brangelina won't even be around to add their considerable screen presence and acting abilities (and hotness).