Published Jun 27, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
Faith Roswell is a Senior Writer on Screen Rant's Classic TV team. Since earning her degree in Creative Writing over a decade ago, Faith has written articles on film and TV from a variety of different angles. Faith now combines her knowledge of psychology with her love of monster movies to give more insight into what makes the best ones.
You may have read her Screen Rant lists and features covering horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, or read her Amazon Top 10 book, "Movie Monsters of the Deep."
Faith has had an extensive career as a writer, appearing on BBC live radio, researching true crime for Rotten Mango podcast, and writing for publications including Mental Floss, Atlas Obscura, and The Daily Jaws before beginning here at Screen Rant.
Even people who did not grow up watching the James Bond movies almost certainly know who the character is. As the most iconic spy in movie history, the exploits of the agent often known as 007 have been emulated, referenced, and even parodied since Sean Connery first played him in the 1962 movie, Dr. No. While the most recent James Bond movie was released five years ago, the franchise is still gaining momentum, with fan casting and debates over which actor will be the next to play James Bond.
Daniel Craig's casting caused the most stir among all of the James Bond actors, for his blond hair and lack of the suave energy brought to the role by actors like Pierce Brosnan. However, he redefined a new version of the character despite not strictly conforming to the description of the character in Ian Fleming's books. That said, while the next actor to become 007 might not fit the typical description either, it is almost certain that he will not be a short, balding, middle-aged man with a wardrobe full of mediocre suits.
If a character like this appeared in a James Bond movie, he would likely be underestimated. However, it is likely that the spy fitting this description would outsmart even James Bond, as this is George Smiley, who makes Bond look amateur. First created by author John Le Carré, Smiley's first onscreen appearance was in the 1965 movie, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and for the first time since Gary Oldman's Oscar-nominated portrayal in 2011's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, the best spy movie of the 2010s, he will return in the upcoming series Legacy of Spies.
George Smiley Is The Complete Opposite Of James Bond
James Bond is aspirational, with an exciting international job, wealth, weapons expertise, good looks, and the apparent ability to drive, ride, or pilot any vehicle or boat he encounters. These attributes are central to his character, even in Casino Royale, which shows him newly awarded "00" status and learning on the job. Bond is a combination of action hero and intelligent problem-solver, but it is widely known that James Bond movies are unrealistic, and the life of a spy is considerably less interesting.
On the other hand, the world-weary George Smiley's life positions him in a drab MI6 office, where he represents the bureaucratic life of a more typical person working in intelligence. With an unhappy marriage and lack of action scenes, he is the polar opposite to the sophisticated Bond in virtually every way. That said, he is better at being a spy than James Bond, even if his life is less enviable.
As a spy, his job is to be overlooked and underestimated, which he succeeds at, while Bond stands out by a mile. However, this means that the books, movies, and TV shows featuring Smiley must rely on more than a well-written romance or a breathtaking stunt to be exciting. George Smiley is an expert at psychological interrogation and his appearance and demeanor misleading to enemies, while he treats espionage as an academic study, making his interrogation scenes some of the most tense in any spy movie.
George Smiley Will Return In An Upcoming TV Series
After a 15-year absence from the screen, George Smiley will return in the TV series, Legacy of Spies, which will be based on several of Le Carré's novels, including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and A Legacy of Spies. The series is already attracting attention for its cast, which includes Hugh Laurie (House,) Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy,) and starring Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) as Smiley. The series has been described as The Night Manager's spiritual successor, with the two shows based on works by Le Carré.
A theatrical adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is currently touring the UK.
In March 2026, The Prague Reporter reported that filming was underway in Prague, with production well underway. While it is not yet known when Legacy of Spies will arrive onscreen, some details have been revealed, like the fact that the first season will adapt The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and also incorporating elements of A Legacy of Spies. With the next James Bond movie estimated to arrive in 2028, the world's most famous spy might soon have competition.
Source: The Prague Reporter
English (US) ·