BBC Unveils ‘Legacy of Spies’ with Macfadyen, Hunnam, Brühl, Islamoğlu
The BBC and MGM+ have joined forces to create an ambitious series titled Legacy of Spies, based on the works of renowned author John le Carré. This production is a collaboration with The Ink Factory and Amusement Park Film, ensuring high-quality adaptation of le Carré’s stories.
About the Series
Legacy of Spies will adapt The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and incorporate elements from A Legacy of Spies. The series consists of eight episodes, each lasting 60 minutes. It will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, as well as on MGM+ in the United States.
Notable Cast
The series features an impressive cast:
- Matthew Macfadyen as George Smiley, a master spy.
- Charlie Hunnam as Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer.
- Daniel Brühl as Jens Fielder, an East German spy.
- Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu as Doris Quinz, aka Agent Tulip.
Creative Team
Stephen Cornwell, in collaboration with Clarissa Ingram, writes the series. The executive production team includes:
- Graham Yost and Malte Grunert
- Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell
- Matthew Macfadyen and Charlie Hunnam
Production Details
Legacy of Spies is set against the backdrop of the Cold War, with significant scenes taking place in the divided regions of the UK, East and West Germany, and Czechoslovakia. The plot centers on George Smiley and his pursuit of the elusive Russian spy Karla.
Historical Context
The story commences amid the tension of the Berlin Wall’s erection, a defining moment in history. Leamas, facing retirement, embarks on a mission of revenge orchestrated by Control, seeking to corner the deputy director of East German Intelligence.
John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, first published in 1963, achieved massive critical acclaim and remains a bestseller. Likewise, A Legacy of Spies, published in 2017, also topped sales charts worldwide.
Production Insights
The Cornwell brothers, founders of The Ink Factory, expressed their excitement about adapting their father’s iconic character, George Smiley. They aimed to portray Smiley’s intricacies as he navigates a world shaped by political upheaval.
Both the BBC and MGM+ executives shared their enthusiasm for the project. They emphasized that Legacy of Spies showcases timeless storytelling, appealing to modern audiences while honoring classic literature.
Global Sales Management
Fifth Season is responsible for handling global sales, ensuring that this compelling narrative reaches viewers around the world.
