Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, stars of Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith remake, recently discussed the show’s production and their perspectives on marriage and creative control with The Hollywood Reporter.
The conversation delved into Glover’s candid reflections on the departure of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the dynamics within the writing process.
Reflecting on Waller-Bridge’s departure, Glover likened it to a divorce, emphasizing the importance of honesty and discomfort in relationships.
He highlighted differences in their approaches to creative collaboration and acknowledged the challenge of two captains steering the same ship. While recognizing Waller-Bridge’s talent, Glover expressed his belief that the show required a singular vision.
Erskine contributed insights into the writing process, noting elements of Waller-Bridge’s style that remained in the script.
Glover expressed his admiration for Waller-Bridge’s work but ultimately felt that she wasn’t fully invested in the project. With Erskine’s involvement, Glover found a comfortable creative partnership characterized by mutual storytelling and openness.
Addressing concerns about creative control, Glover emphasized his confidence in his abilities and vision for the show.
He encouraged self-belief among creators and critiqued aspects of contemporary culture, including cancel culture. Glover’s remarks underscored his commitment to his artistic vision and his desire for creators to assert themselves confidently.
In summary, the interview provided insights into the complexities of creative collaboration and Glover’s evolving perspective on artistic expression and self-confidence.