A Fresh Wave of Espionage Adaptations

      Chris Connor discusses a fresh wave of espionage adaptations…

      Espionage literature is flourishing in both the UK and the US, largely led by Mick Herron’s Slough House series. A multitude of both established and emerging writers are capitalizing on this resurgence. Numerous former spies are sharing their experiences through writing, crafting riveting narratives that tackle various geopolitical issues.

      David McCloskey is leading the way with his four novels, beginning with 2021’s Damascus Station, all of which have been significant successes; his latest work, The Persian, has been highlighted by some as his finest to date. IS Berry’s debut novel, The Peacock and the Sparrow, which is set in Bahrain during the Arab Spring, has also gained considerable attention. Authors like James Wollf, Charles Beaumont, and Jack Beaumont’s Frenchman series draw from a wide range of real-life events.

      Spy fiction is not only thriving in literature; Apple TV has introduced Slough House to a broader audience with its flagship show, Slow Horses. The platform is also poised to adapt other notable spy stories, such as Dan Fesperman’s 2018 novel Safe Houses, which shifts between the Cold War and the 2010s. Though the geographical setting of the novel has been altered to Madrid, it aims to preserve its essence and features a notable cast, including Ana De Armas and Jennifer Connelly in leading roles.

      William Boyd is well-versed in espionage narratives, having written the 2012 BBC adaptation of his novel Restless and created the series Spy City starring Dominic Cooper, set during the Cold War. His upcoming trilogy centered on the unconventional spy Gabriel Dax, starting with 2024’s Gabriel’s Moon, is currently in active development for a film. If successful, it may lead to the follow-up 2025 sequel, The Predicament, along with the soon-to-be-released Cold Sunset. Featuring a globe-trotting plot that revolves around a travel journalist drawn into the espionage realm in the 1960s, it possesses all the elements for a successful film.

      David McCloskey has entered a first-look deal with Prologue Entertainment to adapt both his existing and upcoming works for film and television. His recurring character, Artemis Procter, has quickly become a fan favorite, prompting much speculation about potential casting choices. IS Berry’s Peacock and The Sparrow is also in the early stages of film development. With its rich characters and Bahraini backdrop, it has all the components necessary for a distinct espionage film.

      These authors present a variety of espionage narratives spanning different time periods. It remains to be seen how well these stories will transition to screen adaptations, but it is likely they will enhance the authors’ visibility and pave the way for more successful works reaching a broader audience.

      In addition to new authors, John le Carré continues to attract attention in film and television, with his iconic work, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, serving as the basis for a new BBC series, A Legacy of Spies. Following his passing, it will be intriguing to observe if there are plans for further adaptations of Len Deighton’s works after the 2017 miniseries SS GB and the 2022 television adaptation of The Ipcress File.

      The growing interest in adapting works from the new generation of spy authors indicates a vibrant future for the genre, with much more likely on the horizon, especially if these adaptations realize their potential and become major successes.

      Chris Connor