The Night Manager returns to BBC after almost a decade - but there's disappointing news for fans
The Night Manager, the BBC's smash hit of 2016, is set to make a thrilling return to our screens with not just one, but two new series in the coming months, with show lead Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as the suave Jonathan Pine.
The show, which drew over 10 million viewers at its peak, saw Hiddleston's character, a former soldier turned hotel manager, clash with Hugh Laurie's villainous arms dealer Richard Roper.
After scooping up 11 major awards, the espionage drama is gearing up to shoot this summer for a second series slated for 2025, followed by a third in 2026. Set eight years after the dramatic conclusion of the first series, where we last saw Laurie's character Roper facing an uncertain fate at the hands of the Syrians, the upcoming instalments promise to be just as gripping.
However, despite the buzz of excitement from fans, there is still one catch to the show's return, as it remains under wraps whether Olivia Colman will return as the steely Angela Burr or Elizabeth Debicki as the tormented Jed Marshall. Laurie's involvement as an executive producer however, alongside Hiddleston hints that Roper might make a comeback, even if only in flashbacks.
As the BBC excitedly announced the return of The Night Manager, Hiddleston shared his enthusiasm: "The first series of The Night Manager was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I have ever worked on. The depth, range and complexity of Jonathan Pine was, and remains, a thrilling prospect. I'm so looking forward to telling the next chapter of our story. I can't wait."
The upcoming John le Carre adaptation is being continued by The Ink Factory led by le Carre's sons Stephen and Simon Cornwell involving many members of the original team including writer David Farr and producer Stephen Garrett, reports the Mirror.
Discussing the decision to extend the tale beyond the novel originally published in 1993, David explained: "John le Carre's work has long been an inspiration to me and working closely with him on Season 1 was an honour and a pleasure," he said.
"I did not tread lightly into extending The Night Manager beyond the original book, but an idea came to me a couple of years ago which felt truthful to that unique world of dark corners and shady identities."
David then emphasised that no one else could mix "the suspense of espionage with a deep exploration of the human soul" quite as well as le Carre, adding: "I hope that in some way we can pay homage to his uneasy genius in this new exploration."
The Cornwell brothers agreed with this sentiment, stating: "Revisiting the story of Pine also means going beyond the events of John le Carre's original work: that is a decision we have not taken lightly, but his compelling characters and the vision David has for their next chapter were irresistible."
The first instalment of The Night Manager wowed critics and bagged several BAFTAs, Emmys, and Golden Globes including Best Actor laurels for Hiddleston.
BBC chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, stated that she was "incredibly excited" to announce the return of The Night Manager following years of "fervent speculation" after the massive success of its first season.
"Glamorous and sophisticated, it had the nation hooked," she explained to Deadline. "Bold storytelling and an amazing line-up in front of and behind the camera made it essential viewing and the scale and ambition behind the new season will take it to even greater heights."
