Night Manager firm preps new le Carré series

The prodco behind hit John Le Carré adaptation The Night Manager is now turning one of the author’s best known books – The Spy Who Came in from the Cold – into a TV series.

Slumdog Millionaire scribe Simon Beaufoy will pen the cold war spy drama.

The Ink Factory, which is run by Le Carré’s sons, Stephen (right) and Simon Cornwell, will produce, and has teamed with the TV arm of Paramount, which is also the studio behind the 1965 movie adaptation of the novel.

Paramount Worldwide Television Licensing & Distribution, which is better known for selling features, will handle international sales.

The third producer involved is Character 7, the prodco created by Spooks producer Stephen Garrett that was also a partner on The Night Manager.

The BBC scored excellent ratings with The Night Manager in the UK before it went out on AMC in the US. It sold well internationally, with WME overseeing distribution.

“On the heels of The Night Manager, we look forward to developing a further le Carré novel for a global television audience,” said Simon Cornwell. “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is one of the greatest espionage stories ever told. Simon Beaufoy is one of the most brilliant screenwriters of our generation.”

Beaufoy added: “Adapting one of the best thrillers ever written is a rare privilege.”

No broadcaster has been announced for the new project.