Beloved British actor Hugh Laurie is swapping one iconic role for another, leaving his villainous The Night Manager character behind to headline a gripping new crime thriller for Apple TV+.
From Roper to Carmichael: Laurie's New Criminal Empire
A decade after captivating audiences as the nefarious arms dealer Richard Roper in the BBC's The Night Manager, Hugh Laurie is set to command the screen once more. The 66-year-old star will portray Felix Carmichael, a formidable crime boss in the upcoming series The Wanted Man.
The show's plot finds Carmichael incarcerated after two decades running a powerful criminal syndicate known as The Capital. The official synopsis reveals his next move: "Upon discovering internal betrayal while locked up, he plots his breakout to seek vengeance and restore his criminal empire."
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Laurie will not be alone in this high-stakes drama. He is joined by an impressive ensemble cast featuring Thandiwe Newton, renowned for her roles in Westworld and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
The supporting lineup is equally prestigious, including Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones), Hazel Doupe (Say Nothing), and Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk). The eight-episode series is the creation of George Kay, the mind behind the tense thriller Hijack.
Currently in post-production, reports suggest the series could launch around May 2026, though an official release date from Apple TV+ is still pending.
The Night Manager's Legacy and Laurie's Continued Role
The announcement of Laurie's new project comes as The Night Manager enjoys a resurgence, with its second season now airing on British television. While fans celebrated Laurie's unforgettable performance as Richard Roper in the 2016 first season, the character was killed off-screen during the decade-long hiatus between seasons.
Laurie made a brief, spectral appearance in the new season's first episode via a dream sequence but is not expected to return in any substantial capacity. However, his connection to the hit BBC thriller remains strong; he continues to serve as an executive producer on the series alongside leading man Tom Hiddleston.
With The Wanted Man on the horizon, Hugh Laurie is poised to deliver another masterclass in charismatic villainy, proving his star power in global television remains undimmed.
