The name John le Carre is synonymous with espionage literature that translates well to screens both big and small. From Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to The Constant Gardener, his work creates well-received drama without exception. Such a reputation explains why the adaptation of his 1993 novel The Night Manager has been such a sought-after project – one which has ultimately landed at AMC.
The production, rumoured to be taking the form of a six or eight-part miniseries, was developed by the BBC, and will be a co-production between the BBC, AMC and Ink Factory. Writer David Farr (Spooks, Hanna) is handling the adaptation, which will be the latest in AMC’s move to re-focus its schedule on scripted originals.
The story centres on lead character Jonathan Pine, a British soldier who has undertaken a change of career to become a hotel night auditor. In this new role, he meets a woman with ties to an English black marketeer, whose speciality is weaponry. When the woman provides Jonathan with incriminating evidence against the arms dealer, he passes it up the chain of British Intelligence – but then the woman turns up dead.
It certainly sounds like compelling drama, but the anticipation around this project is perhaps even more heightened since actors Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston were cast. The impact of these two stars returning to the small screen cannot be overstated, after Laurie led the multiple award-winning US show House for eight seasons, and Hiddleston rocketed from UK TV show Wallander to the very heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the sinister and manipulative Loki – brother of Thor. These are two internationally beloved performers, and they are coming together for a John le Carre adaptation. The question is, who will play the doomed woman?
With wider casting yet to be announced, and no director attached, there is no clear indication on when to expect The Night Manager. Fans can rest easy, however, as the involvement of both AMC and the BBC means that, when the production is finally broadcast, it will be available on both sides of the Atlantic.