Get ready for a blast from the past! We're diving into the early career of Timothy Olyphant, an actor who's since become a household name. But let's start with a little-known fact: his TV debut was in a '90s series that was, unfortunately, canceled.
The Show That Started It All
In 1996, a young Timothy Olyphant stepped into the world of television with a role in a show titled "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Yes, you read that right! It's a different take on the name, and it's not related to the famous movie franchise. This series, which aired on CBS, centered around two spies and their complicated romantic entanglement.
But here's where it gets controversial... when I interviewed the co-creator of the '96 version in 2024, they admitted that the similarities to the 2005 movie could be seen as more than just a coincidence.
Olyphant played Scooby, a member of Mr. Smith's spy team, and a character who seemed like a loyal and cool dude. However, Scooby turned out to be a double agent, and the pilot episode ends with him going rogue and attempting to murder the Smiths.
Despite this minor spoiler, it's still a delight to watch Olyphant's performance, even if you know the twist. His portrayal of Scooby adds a much-needed spark to an otherwise slow-paced episode.
The Road to Scream 2
This was Olyphant's last episode on the series, and soon after, the show was canceled. It might not have been the breakout role he envisioned, but it could have been a stepping stone to his next big project. Within a year, he landed a role in "Scream 2," a film that many consider the best in the franchise.
And this is the part most people miss... could "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" have been the reason Olyphant was cast in "Scream 2" as Mickey Altieri?
Olyphant's Rise to Fame
In "Scream 2," Olyphant's character, Mickey, is not the typical fan-favorite killer. He lacks the depth and motivation that other Ghostfaces in the franchise have. However, this is not a reflection of Olyphant's acting abilities; fans praise his performance, especially in the film's final act. Mickey is a unique villain, driven by a desire for fame rather than revenge, which sets him apart from other killers in the series.
No one from the "Scream 2" team has publicly acknowledged the connection between Olyphant's roles in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and "Scream 2." In fact, when his casting was announced, the trades focused on his appearance in the medical series "High Incident" instead.
But could Olyphant's performance as Scooby have influenced the casting director's decision? Or perhaps playing Scooby made Olyphant realize his affinity for villainous roles, prompting him to audition for "Scream 2" with enthusiasm.
In a 2015 interview with Variety, Olyphant revealed that he auditioned multiple times for the "Scream" role, emphasizing his desire to be part of the franchise. He acknowledged the leap of faith taken by the producers, given his limited resume at the time.
So, what do you think? Could Olyphant's early role in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" have paved the way for his success in "Scream 2"? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
