The Ipcress File I Full List of ITV Thriller Cast and Characters
ITV spy thriller The Ipcress File will soon hit our screens, the first major screen adaptation since the iconic film starring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer.
Set in Berlin in 1963 and based on Len Deighton’s classic spy novel, the ITV version stars Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole leading the cast as smuggler-turned-spy Harry Palmer opposite Tom Hollander. , Lucy Boynton and Them star Ashley Thomas.
On why his The Ipcress File character is the Anti-Bond, Joe Cole explained: “He’s a detective, he’s a spy, but he’s very different. I think he’s, you know, he doesn’t have a lot of money. He’s He’s from a working class background. He’s in a different world with different classes. He’s super smart and fun, and for me, the most important thing was to try to capture that.”
Director James Watkins said in a statement: “We can’t wait to bring Len Deighton’s intoxicating spy ring – sexier than Smiley’s People, more real than Bond – to a wider TV audience. With his devious wit and his quiet integrity clashing with the establishment, working-class spy Harry Palmer is more relevant than ever.
Read on for the cast and characters of the ITV adaptation The Ipcress File.
Joe Cole plays Harry Palmer
Who is Harry Palmer? A former British Army sergeant now stationed in Berlin and smuggling surplus army goods back and forth through East Berlin and West Berlin. However, it’s only a matter of time before he gets caught.
Where have I seen Joe Cole before? He is best known for his starring role as Sean Wallace in Gangs of London and for playing John Shelby in Peaky Blinders. He also starred in Black Mirror, playing Frank in the episode “Hang the DJ”, and appeared in A Prayer Before Dawn as well as the UK teen series Skins.
Lucy Boynton as Jean Courtney
Who is John Courtney? A young upper-class woman engaged to a boring fiancé, who feels like a secretary at the BBC. Instead, she is secretly a spy.
Where have I seen Lucy Boynton before? The former child actress (who played Posy Fossil in the TV movie Ballet Shoes opposite Emma Watson) has appeared in Sing Street, Gypsy, the movie Murder on the Orient Express, The Politician, Oscar winner Bohemian Rhapsody. She is also set to star in the upcoming film Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, directed by Hugh Laurie.
Tom Hollander as William Dalby
Who is Guillaume Dalby? A rebellious member of the British intelligence service and the man who recruits the insolent Harry Palmer.
Where have I seen Tom Hollander before? The prolific actor is known for his roles in Pride and Prejudice (as clergyman Mr Collins opposite Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth), Gosford Park, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, the comedy series Rev. with Olivia Colman, The Night Manager, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Us, Baptiste and the upcoming second season of The White Lotus.
Ashley Thomas as Paul Maddox
Who is Paul Maddox? A CIA agent who establishes a flirtatious relationship with Jean Courtney.
Where have I seen Ashley Thomas before? He recently had a starring role in the TV series Them and starred in Top Boy, Ice, Salvation, 24: Legacy and the upcoming adaptation of Great Expectations.
Matthew Steer plays Professor Dawson
Who is Professor Dawson? A nuclear weapons expert, and why Harry Palmer’s knowledge of Berlin’s criminal underbelly becomes so valuable to Dalby.
Where have I seen Matthew Steer before? He played Blachevelle in the TV version of Les Misérables and starred in The Crown, Cinderella, Leonardo and After Ever After, among other projects.
Urs Rechn plays Housemartin
Who is Housemartin? A violent former contact of Harry Palmer, living in 1960s Berlin.
Where have I seen Urs Rechn before? Born in the former GDR (East Germany), he is known for his roles in Son of Saul, Dogs of Berlin, Leipzig Homicide, Sløborn and Barbarians.
Joshua James plays Chico
Who is Chico? An upper-class British spy and colleague of Jean Courtney.
Where have I seen Joshua James before? He played Liam Banner on the television series Life; Valvert opposite Peter Dinklage in Cyrano; and Justin Klineman in the industry. He has also starred in Absentia, McMafia and I Hate Suzie.
Paul Bazely plays Morris
Who is Morris? A scientist who worked closely with Professor Dawson disappeared.
Where have I seen Paul Bazely before? He has starred in The Sister, Black Mirror, Cruella, Doctors, The Good Karma Hospital, Benidorm and The Mallorca Files.
The Ipcress file will air on ITV on Sunday March 6 at 9 p.m. Check out more of our drama coverage or visit our TV guide to see what’s on tonight.
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