New Zealand actor Martin Henderson will take over from Brad Pitt, playing professional assassin John Smith in the ABC's small-screen version of the hit movie Mr & Mrs Smith.


The 32 year old kiwi-born actor will star opposite Jordana Brewster (The Fast and the Furious) in the tv pilot of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Brewster will take over the Angelina Jolie role of hit-woman "Jane Smith".

The pilot picks up a few months after the events of the blockbuster movie, with the married secret assassins trying to restart their lives in a new home,

Henderson is currently appearing onscreen alongside Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, and Andy Garcia in the assassin movie Smokin’ Aces. Other credits include Flyboys, The Ring, Bride & Prejudice, Little Fish, and a four year on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.


Henderson will continue on to another film project when he's finished shooting the ABC TV pilot. Experienced director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) is helming the tv version as Director and Executive Producer, which should improve the chances of ABC greenlighting a series.

* NZ Herald: Kiwi actor takes Brad Pitt role in TV movie