Amazon’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” series may not feature Brangelina, but it stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, bolstered by a stellar lineup of guest stars that director Hiro Murai refers to as “the Avengers of character actors.”
With Season 2 on the horizon—though it’s uncertain if Glover and Erskine will return—showrunner and co-creator Francesca Sloane breaks down the standout guest performances that brought Season 1 to life.
Paul Dano as the Unexpected ‘Hot Neighbor’
In one of the series’ standout performances, Paul Dano shines as John and Jane’s nosy neighbor. The role, originally described as “Hot Neighbor,” underwent a unique casting process. Sloane and Glover, along with casting director Carmen Cuba, initially sought out more traditional Hollywood hunks. However, Dano’s audition impressed them so much that they rewrote his character into a multi-episode arc. “Paul played the part so well that we couldn’t resist expanding his role,” Sloane shares.
Beverly Glover as John’s Mother
Inspired by Maya Erskine casting her own mother in “Pen15,” Donald Glover brought his mom, Beverly Glover, on board to play John’s mother. “She stuck to the script beautifully but also excelled in improvisation,” Sloane notes. Beverly’s performance added a touching layer to the series, especially with Donald’s tender direction, which showcased a softer side of the typically edgy comedian.
Sarah Paulson as the Therapist
From the beginning, Sloane and Glover envisioned Sarah Paulson as the perfect choice for John and Jane’s marriage counselor. They needed someone who could balance intelligence with inadvertent humor, and Paulson delivered flawlessly. “Sarah has a knack for nuanced comedy, making her the ideal fit for our vision,” Sloane explains.
John Turturro as the Eccentric Art Enthusiast
Casting John Turturro as Eric Shane, a creepy art enthusiast and real estate mogul, was a no-brainer. His ability to portray unhinged characters with depth made him perfect for the role. One of the most challenging scenes involved Eric instructing John and Jane to act like dogs, which had the cast and crew struggling to keep a straight face. “We had a hard time not laughing through that scene,” Sloane recalls.
Billy Campbell in the Italian Alps
For an episode set at a ski resort in the Italian Dolomites, Billy Campbell (Parker) brought relentless energy and positivity. Despite the isolating and high-altitude environment, Campbell’s enthusiasm never waned. “Billy was a beacon of sunshine, hiking the Alps at dawn every day,” Sloane remembers.
Ron Perlman as Toby Hellinger
Sloane’s father-in-law, Ron Perlman, was cast as the high-profile target Toby Hellinger, whom John and Jane must transport across Lake Como. Known for his tough-guy roles, Perlman embraced the chance to play a vulnerable character. “Seeing Ron in a different light was refreshing, though the physical demands of the role were intense,” Sloane admits. A dinner table joke scene was inspired by real-life meals shared with Perlman.
Wagner Moura and Parker Posey as Other John and Other Jane
To cast the roles of Other John and Other Jane, Sloane and Glover turned to actors they admired. Wagner Moura’s charismatic storytelling captivated the cast, while Parker Posey, whom Sloane had idolized since her youth, brought an unforgettable presence. “Wagner and Parker brought the charm and star power we envisioned for these roles,” Sloane says.
Chi-Chi the Cat
One of the most challenging guest stars was Chi-Chi, the cat playing Jane’s pet, Max. During a scene with Erskine and Dano, Chi-Chi decided to go rogue, causing delays and providing an unexpected moment of levity. “Instead of stressing, we ended up playing games and having fun until Chi-Chi decided to cooperate,” Sloane recounts. Due to this incident, Chi-Chi’s role was scaled back in future scenes.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” brings a fresh take on the classic story with its dynamic cast and inventive guest stars. The series returns to Amazon for Season 2, with audiences eagerly awaiting more surprises.
