John le Carré’s Legacy Of Spies: Charlie Hunnam, Matthew Macfadyen, and more join the latest BBC and MGM+ series

A major new TV version of John le Carré’s famous spy stories is now being developed, titled Legacy of Spies. It already stands out as one of the most talked-about projects in years. The series brings together respected actors, careful writing, and a world shaped by Cold War secrets.

The BBC and MGM+ are working together on this project, which signals a large and serious production. The goal is to show the hidden side of intelligence work with a slow and thoughtful style.

The story will explore old loyalties, buried mistakes, and the quiet pressure that defines many of Le Carré’s characters. The team hopes to offer a clear look at the world that made le Carré one of the most trusted names in spy fiction.

John le Carré’s Legacy Of Spies: The cast

Casting the main spies

The producers have released their first major casting announcement, and it sets a clear tone. Matthew Macfadyen, praised for his work on Succession, will play George Smiley in the series. Smiley ranks among modern fiction’s most famous spies, and he acts with calm focus. Viewers want to see Macfadyen make this stoic and quietly personal role feel real.

Charlie Hunnam will play Alec Leamas, a central figure from The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Leamas is worn down after years of hard work in the field. Hunnam is expected to show his tired anger and deep worry directly and honestly. Daniel Brühl will join the cast as Jens Fielder, an East German officer.

These choices show that the team wants a grounded and serious tone for Legacy of Spies.

The big plan behind Legacy of Spies

This new series is being described as the largest and most detailed project ever based on le Carré’s work. It will have eight episodes. The story will combine material from two books: The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and A Legacy of Spies. Much of the plot follows George Smiley as he continues his lifelong effort to expose his enemy, Karla.

Most of the story takes place during the Cold War, but the show will also move across different years. This helps show how old choices follow the characters into the future. The structure matches le Carré’s style, which treats spy work as quiet, slow, and filled with hard moral costs.

The roles of Hunnam and Macfadyen

Charlie Hunnam and Matthew Macfadyen will shape the heart of the story. Leamas enters an operation that looks simple on the surface but is really a complex trap. Smiley steps back from the main action and studies each event, using it to move closer to Karla.

Macfadyen will show Smiley’s quiet strength and deep duty to his work. The writers, including le Carré’s son Stephen Cornwell, want the series to stay true to the books. They want viewers of Legacy of Spies to feel the slow tension and emotional weight that define these characters.

Production and release plans

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The Ink Factory, a company created by le Carré’s children, is producing the series. This gives the project a close link to the author’s ideas and long history of careful storytelling. The BBC will release the show in the UK, and MGM+ will release it in the US.

The filming of Legacy of Spies will begin in early 2026, and the production has already gathered a strong cast. The script moves at a patient pace, and it stays close to le Carré’s original books. This mix will draw a wide audience, and many viewers already see the show as a major upcoming spy drama. The pairing of Matthew Macfadyen and Charlie Hunnam adds clear appeal, so the series looks set to make a strong television event.

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