Did you know that Timothy Olyphant's very first television appearance was in a show that you probably have never heard of? Back in 1996, a young Olyphant took his initial step into Hollywood through a series titled "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." This show, which may sound familiar, doesn't have anything to do with either the blockbuster film of the same name released in 2005 or the classic romantic comedy crafted by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1940s. Interestingly enough, when I chatted with one of the co-creators of this 1996 interpretation in 2024, he acknowledged that it's not unusual for people to mistakenly believe that the movie borrowed from the series.
So, what role did Timothy Olyphant actually portray in this fledgling series? Unfortunately, he wasn't cast as the lead character, Mr. Smith. That honor went to the talented Scott Bakula. Instead, Olyphant took on the role of Scooby, a member of Mr. Smith's espionage unit who initially comes across as a loyal and charismatic ally. However, as the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Scooby is indeed a double agent, culminating in an intense climax where he tries to eliminate Mr. and Mrs. Smith with a gun.
I hate to give away such a pivotal twist regarding a nearly three-decade-old show that is no longer available on streaming platforms, but even if you’re aware of how it ends, watching Olyphant in this role is still a delight. His performance as Scooby ignites the otherwise slow-paced pilot with high energy, making it the standout feature of the episode.
Though this marked the end of Olyphant’s journey with the series—short-lived and soon to be forgotten—this experience surprisingly set the stage for his next big break. Almost immediately after, he was cast in "Scream 2," which I personally consider the most compelling film in the "Scream" franchise. It’s hard to avoid the thought that his appearance in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" may have influenced his casting for that notable role.
Spoiler Alert: Discussion of key plot points from the "Scream" franchise follows.
In "Scream 2," Olyphant portrays Mickey Altieri, a character who isn't often celebrated as the fans’ favorite killer in the series. One reason for this might be that he doesn't have a substantial presence before being unmasked, a flaw that mainly stems from the writing rather than the performance itself. Fans of "Scream" generally applaud Olyphant’s acting, especially during the film's thrilling conclusion when he unveils his true identity. Mickey is portrayed as one of the more ruthless and less relatable incarnations of Ghostface. His drive for fame overshadows any traditional motives for revenge, a characterization that can indeed provoke a discussion, as some might argue that Mickey is purely motivated by his lust for recognition in a world where notoriety often takes precedence over genuine emotion.
While nobody associated with "Scream 2" has credited his role in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" as a stepping stone for Olyphant, it's noteworthy that when industry sources such as Variety announced his involvement in 1997, they completely overlooked his stint on the earlier show, instead highlighting his brief role in the medical drama "High Incident."
Yet, could it be that Olyphant’s earlier portrayal of Scooby played a role in persuading the film's casting director to see his potential? It’s possible that taking on a character with darker motives instilled in him a passion for playing villains, which would have made him particularly enthusiastic about going for a role like Mickey in "Scream 2". When asked in a 2015 interview how he came to secure the part, Olyphant simply remarked, "I auditioned — multiple times. Why wouldn't I want to be in 'Scream'? I wanted to be in the first one."
Once he stepped into the world of "Scream 2," it became evident that Olyphant had truly arrived. In that same interview, he reflected on this opportunity, expressing gratitude for the leap of faith that the filmmakers took on him at a time when his resume warranted skepticism, saying, "That 'Scream' role was quite a gift. I had virtually nothing on my resume at that point. I'm sure some of it was made up. That was a leap of faith they all took. I'm very appreciative of them being willing to take that risk."
Now, let’s spark a discussion! Do you think that early roles like Scooby in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" can indeed shape an actor's future opportunities, or is it more about the right timing and talent? Share your thoughts in the comments!
