When we think of movies with Hollywood defining legacies, Mr. & Mrs. Smith wouldn't be the first that springs to mind.

A fun, comedic mid-2000s action flick, capitalising on the chemistry of its two stunningly beautiful leads; it became the movie that defined a generation of celebrity culture, and sold hundreds of thousands of gossip magazines.

But it all could have been very different, had it not been for The Stepford Wives.

The film's inception, a chaotic filming schedule that resulted in significant budget overruns, and a constantly changing script pale in comparison to the media circus that followed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, affectionately given the portmanteau 'Brangelina', and how their relationship flourished as they played married assassins; oblivious to each other's secret lives until they’re pitted against one another to finish their respective jobs. Not to mention his previous marriage failing at about the same time they were filming this movie - surely it's all a coincidence?

Their journey from co-stars to Hollywood power couple to eventually married and sharing six children would not lead to their happily ever after, unlike John and Jane Smith.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) !

Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.

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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA

Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio

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