Production starts on small-screen 'Smith'

Production on a pilot episode for a television version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has finally started, nearly a year after a script order was confirmed.

Variety reports that ABC green-lit production on the pilot with hopes of introducing the show as part of its 2007 Fall lineup.

Doug Liman and Simon Kinberg, director and writer respectively of the 2005 box-office smash, are returning in the same roles for the TV version of the story.

"It's essentially Married With Children with guns," Kinberg told Variety. He added that both new and established performers are being sought to replace Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who will not be reprising their big-screen roles as a married pair of assassins.