Matthew Macfadyen is stepping into one of British literature’s most recognisable espionage roles. The first look at the Succession star as legendary intelligence officer George Smiley has been unveiled ahead of the upcoming drama Legacy of Spies.
The eight-part BBC series brings John le Carré’s world of Cold War espionage back to television, with Macfadyen leading a cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Daniel Brühl, Hugh Laurie and Dan Stevens.
Matthew Macfadyen Transforms Into George Smiley
In the newly released first look, Macfadyen appears in Smiley’s familiar thick-rimmed glasses and formal black suit. The understated appearance reflects the character’s reputation as a quiet and highly intelligent spymaster rather than a traditional action-oriented secret agent.
Macfadyen is known internationally for playing Tom Wambsgans in Succession. He has also appeared in Spooks, Operation Mincemeat and the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.
Charlie Hunnam Plays Alec Leamas
The series also stars Charlie Hunnam as Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer operating during the tense Cold War period.
The story follows Leamas as he becomes involved in an operation targeting East German intelligence. Smiley operates behind the scenes as the mission develops, placing both characters at the centre of a dangerous world of espionage, divided loyalties and betrayal.
A New Take on John le Carré’s Spy World
Legacy of Spies draws primarily from The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and also incorporates material from le Carré’s 2017 novel A Legacy of Spies. The series is set against the backdrop of Cold War Berlin and the newly constructed Berlin Wall.
The drama marks another screen adaptation of le Carré’s influential work. George Smiley has previously been portrayed by actors including Alec Guinness and Gary Oldman.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Macfadyen and Hunnam, the series features Daniel Brühl, Agnes O’Casey, Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu, Felix Kammerer, Dan Stevens, Anjana Vasan, Charlotte Ritchie, Joe Alwyn and Hugh Laurie.
Laurie plays Control, Smiley’s superior, while the wider cast brings several of le Carré’s intelligence characters to life.
When Will Legacy of Spies Release?
Filming for the series has now wrapped, although an exact premiere date has not yet been announced. The drama is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, with MGM+ handling its release in several international markets.
With Macfadyen taking on the iconic role and a major ensemble joining him, Legacy of Spies is set to offer a new television interpretation of John le Carré’s intricate world of espionage.
