Matthew Macfadyen, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Tom Wambsgans on HBO's Succession, has recently been announced as the star of the upcoming TV series Legacy of Spies, based on the works of beloved spy novelist John le Carré. This new series, produced by le Carré's sons, is set to explore the murky world of espionage through the lens of one of literature's most iconic characters, George Smiley.
At 50 years old, Macfadyen will portray Smiley, who is the central figure within several of le Carré’s novels, including the well-known titles The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Honourable Schoolboy. His casting continues the legacy of this character, following the notable performances of esteemed actors such as Alec Guinness, Gary Oldman, Denholm Elliott, and Rupert Davies.
Le Carré, whose real name was David Cornwell, passed away at the age of 89 in December 2020. Renowned for his informative and clever depiction of intelligence and the human condition, le Carré drew deeply on his own past experiences working for MI5 and MI6 during the Cold War.
Legacy of Spies promises to amalgamate the gripping narratives from multiple novels and even introduce several unpublished works, thereby allowing fans and new audiences alike to engage with Smiley’s character as he navigates complex moral dilemmas and espionage intrigue. According to Variety, the series will be co-developed by The Ink Factory, established by le Carré's sons Stephen and Simon Cornwell, bringing their father’s perspective and legacy to the forefront.
Graham Yost, known for his work on the hit series Silo, has been brought on board as the executive producer, and the enterprise has already garnered interest from potential buyers across both the UK and the US. The writing team includes Stephen Cornwell and Clarissa Ingram, setting the stage for what could become another compelling adaptation of le Carré's rich literary universe.
Notably, Macfadyen's achievements as Tom Wambsgans have earned him two Emmy Awards and two BAFTA Awards, marking his significant contributions to contemporary television. Beyond his iconic role on Succession, he has also captivated audiences with performances ranging from the romantic Mr. Darcy in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice to appearances in films like Death at a Funeral and the latest Deadpool movie.
The anticipation of Legacy of Spies has heightened due to recent developments surrounding the character of George Smiley. For example, Gary Oldman's manager, Douglas Urbanski, made headlines last year when he revealed the surprising news: le Carré’s sons had blocked plans for a sequel to the 2011 adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy featuring Oldman reprising his role as Smiley. Urbanski noted, “We’ve reached out … to le Carré’s sons and – the damnedest thing – they have no interest in Gary playing Smiley again. I don’t know why,” provoking conversations about legacy and character ownership within adaptations of literary giants like le Carré.
Macfadyen's portrayal of Smiley, to be seen as the series moves forward, will not only add to the rich canon of adaptations but is also seen as part of the broader tradition of Stories of Intelligence, which le Carré famously defined with multifaceted narratives.
The character of George Smiley first burst onto the scene with Call for the Dead, published back in 1961. Following this, A Murder of Quality came out the next year, providing layers of depth and complexity to the espionage narrative. Smiley, characterized as “short, fat, and of quiet disposition” is often described as anything but the glamorous spy one might expect. Instead, le Carré encapsulated the quiet agony of intelligence work, vividly expressing Smiley’s inelegance with the quip: “he appeared to spend a lot of money on really bad clothes, which hung about his squat frame like skin on a shrunken toad.”
The initial breakthrough for Smiley came with the release of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, which was hailed as one of the most influential spy novels ever written. This work provided readers with harrowing insight and allowed them to accompany Alec Leamas, another emblematic le Carré character, as he endured high-stakes operations during the Cold War. Richard Burton famously portrayed Leamas in the 1965 film adaptation, showcasing the same intensity explored within the pages of the book.
Not just limited to his novels, le Carré was also known for vivid and personal reflections on his life as both a writer and former intelligence officer. Writing about The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’s creation, he remarked, “I wrote The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at the age of 30 under intense, unshared personal stress, and in extreme privacy.” Such insight reinforces the idea of Smiley as not merely fiction, but rather as the embodiment of the real-life consequences of the espionage world, making the character relatable to both readers and viewers.
The production of Legacy of Spies raises excitement not only for the return of George Smiley to the screen but also because of the persistent cultural relevance of espionage narratives today and how they reflect our complex world. The legacy of John le Carré’s storytelling, coupled with Matthew Macfadyen’s authentic portrayals, may provide viewers with much-needed perspectives on the intricacies of trust and loyalty, especially when personal lives become entangled with professional duties.
With production details still being ironed out and no official release date announced yet, fans of le Carré’s work are eagerly anticipating what this new series may bring to the ever-evolving genre of the spy thriller. Legacy of Spies has the potential to introduce Smiley to yet another generation, allowing his story to transcend time, much like the novels themselves.