Matthew MacFadyen to star as George Smiley

Matthew MacFadyen will star as George Smiley in "Legacy of Spies," a new espionage series inspired by the works of John le Carré. This role follows Gary Oldman's portrayal of Smiley in the 2011 film "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy." The series combines several of le Carré's novels, including "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold" and "The Honorable Schoolboy," along with some unpublished material. Filming for "Legacy of Spies" has not started yet, and a release date has not been announced. The series is still seeking a broadcaster, though it has attracted interest from several buyers in the UK and US. The plot will focus on George Smiley, a key character in many of le Carré's stories. While "Legacy of Spies" carries the title of le Carré's last novel, Smiley is only a minor figure in that book. Fans speculate that the series might create a larger narrative by connecting various stories featuring Smiley. The production is led by The Ink Factory, founded by Simon and Stephen Cornwell, le Carré's sons. While some critics have questioned MacFadyen’s casting due to his contrasting physical attributes with Smiley’s character, his performance is highly anticipated. As of now, no additional cast members have been announced, and there is no trailer available for the series.