The Hour and Skyfall actor Ben Whishaw has been cast as the lead character in Tom Rob Smith’s first television drama series, London Spy.
Whishaw will play Danny – a “hedonistic romantic” who gets drawn into the dangerous world of British espionage when he falls for the anti-social but enigmatic Alex.
When Alex suddenly disappears, Danny is utterly ill-equipped to take on his complex and codified world. Young, innocent and adrift he needs to decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth?
More casting for the five-part series will be announced “soon” ahead of filming starting next month.
Tom Rob Smith says: “Ben Whishaw is quite simply one of the best actors in the country. It’s an extraordinary privilege, as a writer, to have him play the lead.”
The writer’s award-winning Child 44 trilogy is currently being adapted for film, produced by Ridley Scott.
Of his first television drama, creator and writer Tom says: “It’s very exciting to have one of the best production companies in the country, Working Title, produce my first contemporary spy thriller series for BBC Two, unarguably the most prestigious home for drama in the UK.”
Polly Hill, BBC Head of Independent Drama, adds: “I’ve been a huge fan of Tom’s and am delighted to be working with him, and to see his unique storytelling brought to BBC Two.
“This is a beautifully written love story, caught up in a spy thriller – a wonderfully complex and surprising story, of one man’s search for the truth. It promises to be a treat for the BBC Two audience, continuing the channels commitment to original authored drama.”
