The Night Manager was arguably one of the best espionage shows of modern times. Based on the novel of the same name by spy-thriller writer par excellence John le Carré (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Tailor Of Panama) it won awards all over the world and was a ratings smash in most of the territories where it was shown.
It was also considered Tom Hiddleston’s audition for Bond, and his performance led to many considering him absolutely nailed on for the role in the future. This was until an unfortunate Taylor Swift romance and t-shirt episode reportedly made Barbara Broccoli go cool on the idea.
The story also seemed one-and-done, despite many talking about potential sequels for years.
Well, good news everyone! The Night Manager is to return. Deals have been signed for a second and third season. It seemed like Hiddleston’s Marvel commitments might have been the main block, and as his time in the MCU seems completely over after the Loki conclusion, he has a clear run.
Hiddleston will return as Jonathan Pine. The ex-soldier and hospitality worker, the titular hotel night manager, who found himself drawn into a high-stakes game being played out between British Intelligence and a global arms dealer.
Liek the original, the new series will be produced by The Ink Factory (The Pigeon Tunnel, The Little Drummer Girl) in association with Character 7, Demarest Films, and 127 Wall.
It will be a co-production with Spanish partner Nostromo Pictures, and will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and globally on Amazon’s Prime Video.
The new series of The Night Manager will once again be written by series creator David Farr. BAFTA winner Georgi Banks-Davies is attached to direct all six episodes of series two with Stephen Garrett as producer.
Season one villain Hugh Laurie (All The Light We Cannot See, VEEP, House) will be an executive producer. Will his character return? Possible, as the new season of The Night Manager will pick up with Jonathan Pine eight years after the finale of season one.
Hiddleston said in a statement:
“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 reuniting with Simon and Stephen Cornwell, David Farr and Stephen Garrett, and to working with Georgi Banks-Davies to tell the next chapter of our story. I can’t wait.”
Creator David Farr says:
“John le Carré’s work has long been an inspiration to me and working closely with him on Season 1 was an honour and a pleasure. 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. No one marries the suspense of espionage with a deep exploration of the human soul quite like le Carré. I hope that in some way we can pay homage to his uneasy genius in this new exploration. I am thrilled to be working again with Tom Hiddleston, Stephen Garrett and The Ink Factory team, and to be welcoming the brilliant director Georgi Banks-Davies into our ranks.”
Reviews for season one of The Night Manager called it:
“As sexy and sumptuous as TV gets.”
Archie Bland, The Guardian
“…A pacy, heady cocktail of a show… just perfectly mixed, a little intoxicating and highly addictive.”
Jessica Kiang, Indie Wire
Splendid television…A fantastically rich tapestry of both form and function.”
Allison Keene, Collider
Definitely excited for this one. It has been too long.
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