BBC announces “ambitious” new all-star drama based on ‘one of the greatest spy novels ever’

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A new TV series based on the thrilling Cold War novels of John le Carré is coming soon, featuring a fantastic cast.

The six-part series, called Legacy of Spies, is based on John le Carré’s popular novels. It combines elements from his 1963 bestseller, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and his 2017 novel, A Legacy of Spies, which tells the story leading up to the events in The Spy.

The new series, Legacy of Spies, starring Matthew Macfadyen (known from Succession) as George Smiley and Charlie Hunnam (The Gentlemen) as Alec Leamas, is available on BBC in the UK and MGM+ in the US. The show follows these two characters – Smiley, a master spy, and Leamas, a British intelligence agent – as they navigate a complex world of espionage.

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Daniel Brühl, known for his roles in Marvel films, stars as East German spy Jens Fielder. He’s joined by Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu, who played a role in The Empress, as Doris Quinz, also known as Agent Tulip.

The series, Legacy of Spies, follows George Smiley as he pursues his long-time rival, the Soviet spy Karla. The story begins with the building of the Berlin Wall, and introduces British agent Leamas, who’s preparing to leave the field when a surprising chance for revenge presents itself.

The story follows Leamas, a former spy who pretends to be a disillusioned and broken man. He’s used as bait in a plan to capture Mundt, a high-ranking official in East German intelligence.

Written by John le Carré’s son, Stephen Cornwell, along with Clarissa Ingram, Legacy of Spies is being described as the author’s biggest and most complete adaptation to date.

Simon and Stephen Cornwell, who founded The Ink Factory and co-produce the series, explained that they are adapting their father’s most famous character, the intelligent spy George Smiley, for a new medium. They aim to explore his backstory and how the world he inhabited influenced the one we know today.

Simon and Stephen praised the casting of Matthew Macfadyen as Smiley, a role previously played by Gary Oldman and Alec Guinness. They described Macfadyen as perfect for portraying the character’s complex nature – both vulnerable and dangerous – and highlighted the strong ensemble cast alongside Charlie and Devrim as a major win for the production.

We’re excited that the series will be shown on BBC and MGM+, and we’re looking forward to working with Malte and the Amusement Park team. We’re also very grateful for Graham Yost’s expertise and guidance, which, combined with John le Carré’s talent, will make this project truly special.

Hugh Laurie, the creator of shows like Silo and Slow Horses, is an executive producer on this project. He’s joined by Stephen Cornwell, who also oversees the day-to-day production, along with Simon Cornwell, Malte Grunert, and actors Tom Macfadyen and Nicholas Hunnam, among others.

Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt teased that viewers are in “for a very special treat”.

Legacy of Spies is a project long envisioned by John le Carré, brought to life by Stephen Cornwell and Clarissa Ingram. We’re excited that The Ink Factory, known for their expertise in spy thrillers, is producing the series, featuring talented actors Matthew, Charlie, Devrim, and Daniel.

Michael Wright, who leads MGM+, said he’s thrilled to be working with The Ink Factory, the BBC, and a talented team to bring John le Carré’s famous character, George Smiley, to life. He called it a dream project.

I’m really excited about what MGM+ is doing – they’re focusing on great stories that still feel fresh, and Legacy of Spies is a perfect example. The acting is fantastic, especially with Matthew Macfadyen and Charlie Hunnam leading the way. I think MGM+ subscribers are going to love it!

Legacy of Spies will air on the BBC and MGM+.

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2025-12-02 20:50