Matthew Macfadyen, Charlie Hunnam, and Daniel Brühl to star in new BBC-MGM+ John Le Carré Series.

Matthew Macfadyen, Charlie Hunnam, and Daniel Brhl are set to lead a new adaptation of John le Carrs work, produced for BBC One in the U.K. and MGM+ in the U.S. The series, titled Legacy of Spies, is written by Stephen Cornwell (known for Message from the King) alongside Clarissa Ingram, and is based on le Carrs acclaimed novel The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, incorporating additional elements from A Legacy of Spies.

The eight-part drama features Macfadyen, a two-time Emmy and BAFTA winner, portraying master spy George Smiley. Hunnam plays British intelligence officer Alec Leamas, Brhl appears as East German operative Jens Fielder, and Devrim Lingnau Islamolu takes on the role of Doris Quinz, also known as Agent Tulip. The storyline follows Smileys pursuit of his adversary, the Russian master-spy Karla, throughout the Cold War.

The narrative unfolds across locations in the U.K., East and West Germany, and Czechoslovakia, reflecting the historical setting of the story. First published in 1963, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold became a global bestseller and continues to be one of le Carrs most celebrated novels.

Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, co-CEOs of The Ink Factory, described the project as the most ambitious adaptation of le Carrs work to date. They emphasized the exceptional cast and expressed excitement over the collaboration with BBC, MGM+, and the creative teams behind the series, highlighting the influence of director Graham Yost.

Lindsay Salt, BBC drama director, stated, Legacy of Spies is a dream project, adapted by Stephen Cornwell and Clarissa Ingram. The series features outstanding actors, including Matthew, Charlie, Devrim, and Daniel, promising BBC viewers a truly remarkable experience.

Michael Wright, MGM+ global head, said, Partnering with The Ink Factory, the BBC, and this exceptional team to bring John le Carrs George Smiley to life is a dream come true. Legacy of Spies perfectly blends classic storytelling with modern appeal, anchored by a stellar cast.

The series is produced by The Ink Factory in co-production with Amusement Park Film (All Quiet on the Western Front) and in association with 127 Wall Productions and Paramount Television Studios. Executive producers include Stephen Cornwell (also showrunner), Graham Yost, Simon Cornwell, Michele Wolkoff, Malte Grunert, Chris Rice, Steve Clark-Hall, Matthew Macfadyen, Charlie Hunnam, Joe Tsai, and Arthur Wang. Susanne Bier and Mike Lesslie also serve as executive producers. BBC executive producers are Gaynor Holmes and Nick Lambon, while Nick Cornwell represents the John le Carr estate. Sam Costin acts as co-executive producer for The Ink Factory. Fifth Season manages global sales.

Author: Sophia Brooks