Succession star Matthew Macfadyen has been cast to portray the iconic fictional spy George Smiley in an upcoming TV series based on the works of renowned writer John le Carré. According to a report by Variety, the series titled Legacy of Spies is currently in development, and if it moves forward, Macfadyen will step into the shoes of one of literature's most famous spies.
George Smiley, a British secret service agent, is a central character in many of le Carré's novels. He is often depicted as a deceptively bland, middle-aged man, yet he commands the trust and respect of his colleagues and subordinates. Throughout his career, Smiley has grappled with the complexities of intelligence work, often feeling that his professional duties conflict with his personal moral code.
Macfadyen is not the first actor to take on the role of Smiley. The character has been previously brought to life by notable actors such as Alec Guinness, Gary Oldman, Denholm Elliott, and Rupert Davies. Guinness famously portrayed Smiley in the BBC adaptations of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in 1979 and Smiley's People in 1982, while Oldman's performance in the 2011 film adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy earned him an Academy Award nomination.
The forthcoming TV series, Legacy of Spies, is set to be an amalgamation of several of le Carré's acclaimed novels, including The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Honorable Schoolboy. Additionally, the series will incorporate elements from unpublished works and other novels by le Carré, expanding the narrative scope of the beloved character.
The show will be produced by The Ink Factory, a production company founded by le Carré's sons, Stephen and Simon Cornwell. The Ink Factory has a history of successfully adapting their father's works, including the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning The Night Manager, which starred Tom Hiddleston.
John le Carré, the pen name of author David Cornwell, is widely regarded as a master of the spy novel. His complex narratives and morally ambiguous characters have captivated readers for decades. After spending two years teaching at Eton, le Carré joined the British Foreign Office and also had stints at MI5 and MI6. His experiences in the intelligence community heavily influenced his writing, as he began crafting spy stories during his commutes to and from work.
As anticipation builds for Legacy of Spies, fans of le Carré's work and newcomers alike will be eager to see how Macfadyen interprets the enduring character of George Smiley. With a strong legacy to uphold and a talented production team behind the project, this new TV series promises to be another significant chapter in the world of espionage storytelling.
