The 2024 Tribeca Festival is underway and we were on the red carpet at the World Premiere of Sacramento, a road-trip comedy directed by and starring Michael Angarano. The film also stars Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, Maya Erskine, AJ Mendez, and Iman Karram.
On Wednesday January 31, Prime Video held the premiere of their newest series Mr & Mrs Smith at Brooklyn’s Weylin venue. The premiere saw the screening of the pilot and an additional episode along with an after party.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” stars Donald Glover as John and Maya Erskine as Jane. The two give up their average lives to become special agents but under the guise of being a married couple in NYC. The series is a modern adaptation of the famous 2005 film of the same name which originally starred Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
There were a number of actors who appeared in the series present at the screening including Eiza González and Michaela Coel. Billy Campbell, who is best known for his roles on “Dynasty” along with “Once and Again,” has a short stint in episode three.
Campbell spoke with us about his character on the carpet saying, “It’s emotional. I had a very small part, but it’s like an arch. It’s a sweet little arch, but it’s a very emotional arch. And I don’t always have the pleasure of being able to do that.”
The actor additionally raved over the chemistry between the two leads of the series; a sentiment felt by everyone on the carpet. Francesca Sloane, show runner and co-creator of the series, made a point that at the center of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is romance between these two leads.
For anyone who is a fan of the original, this chemistry is far different than expected. In fact, the series doesn’t take much for its original material. Sloane said, “We completely started with a fresh canvas. We really first just wanted to make a story that made sense for the kind of creators that Donald and I are to tell a story, and it felt like something very unique.”
Glover serves as co-creator, director, executive producer, and main lead of the project. It’s not surprising as the multifaceted creator often takes on a great deal on his projects such as his shows “Atlanta” and “Swarm.” As an established creative in his field, Glover admits, “Be surrounded by people you actually trust. People who you trust their taste. It’s not all about you being right. It’s about the piece.” Glover also makes reference to working with his creative partner Hiro Murai who has stood by him on multiple projects.
Be sure to check out the remaining interviews on our Instagram page or below.
Following the screening, the after party occurred on the lower level of the venue. The space was decorated to fit the vibe of a series’ tone. With artwork that moved to reveal hidden secrets, and a machine that revealed if one was a low risk or high risk agent. Guests were also invited to indulge in cocktails suited for an spy as well.
We decided to have our martinis shaken, and stirred of course.
The night was truly excellent, and the series is definitely one to watch, not only for nostalgic purposes but for a refreshing take on the thriller genre.
Our review of the first few episodes of “Mr.& Mrs. Smith” is available now. The series is also available to stream on Prime Video.
Stars Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine joined writers/directors Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer at the premiere of their new romantic comedy/drama ‘Plus One’ at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere.