Charlie Hunnam, known for his role in Sons of Anarchy, is starring in a new thriller series inspired by a famous spy novelist. Since finishing Sons of Anarchy in 2014, Hunnam has taken leading roles in two other shows: Shantaram on Apple TV, and Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
He’s set to star in the upcoming Prime Video series Criminal as Leo, a clever criminal who avoids violence. The show features a strong cast including Richard Jenkins, Adria Arjona, Kadeem Hardison, Logan Browning, Luke Evans, and Emilia Clarke, known for Game of Thrones. This role comes as the popular actor adds another crime-focused television series to his resume.
The BBC and MGM+ have announced a new series based on John le Carré’s novel, Legacy of Spies. Matthew Macfadyen, known for Succession, will play the lead role of spymaster George Smiley. The series will also feature Charlie Hunnam as British intelligence officer Alec Leamas, Daniel Brühl as East German operative Jens Fielder, and Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu as agent Doris Quinz, also known as Agent Tulip.
| Actor | Who They Play | Other Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Macfadyen | George Smiley | Succession, Pride & Prejudice |
| Charlie Hunnam | Alec Leamas | Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Sons of Anarchy |
| Daniel Brühl | Jens Fielder | Inglourious Basterds, Captain America: Civil War |
| Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu | Doris Quinz / Agent Tulip | The Empress |
Originally announced in March, the upcoming eight-episode series will be made by The Ink Factory and distributed by Fifth Season. It’s based on two works by John le Carré: his classic novel, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, and his 2017 book, A Legacy of Spies. Stephen Cornwell, co-founder and co-CEO of The Ink Factory, is writing the adaptation of A Legacy of Spies with Clarissa Ingram, and will also serve as an executive producer.
Michael Wright, head of MGM+, expressed his excitement about the Legacy of Spies project, calling it a perfect fit for MGM+’s focus on delivering timeless stories to today’s viewers. Both he and Lindsay Salt, from BBC Drama, praised the series, particularly its cast and creative team. You can read their full statements below.
Michael Wright expressed his excitement about collaborating with The Ink Factory, the BBC, and a talented creative team to adapt John le Carré’s famous George Smiley stories. He said it’s a long-held dream come true and they are delighted to share it with viewers on MGM+.
Lindsay Salt says ‘Legacy of Spies’ is a fantastic adaptation of a John le Carré story, brought to life by Stephen Cornwell and Clarissa Ingram, and promises a truly special experience for BBC viewers.
This project represents the most extensive and comprehensive adaptation of John le Carré’s work yet. It explores the full story of his iconic character, George Smiley, a complex and gifted spy. We’re incredibly pleased to have Matthew portraying this intelligent but vulnerable operative, alongside the talents of Charlie, Daniel, and Devrim. We’re also excited that the series will air on the BBC and MGM+, and that we’re working with Malte and the Amusement Park team. Graham’s expertise and vision have been invaluable in guiding this project, complementing le Carré’s own masterful storytelling.
Published in 1963, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold follows Alec Leamas, a tired British spy working in Berlin around the time the Berlin Wall was built. After a colleague dies, Leamas is given one last mission: to pretend to be a failed agent and take down a German officer named Mundt. Both Leamas and Smiley, another key figure, face difficult obstacles throughout the operation.
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of John le Carré (born David Cornwell) back in December 2020. He wasn’t just a writer; he was a former intelligence officer, which really informed his work. People like Stephen King consider him a giant in the field, and he completely changed spy novels. Instead of focusing on the flashy, James Bond-style adventures, he delved into the grey areas and moral dilemmas, making everything feel so much more real. His character, Smiley, is just unforgettable. While I’m looking forward to seeing what Hunnam does next, I’m really excited about the Legacy of Spies adaptation – that’s the project I’m most anticipating!
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2025-12-02 20:39