Screenwriter David Farr has revealed a surprising fact about Hugh Laurie and the hit 2016 series The Night Manager. The actor, known for his role in House, initially wanted the lead role of Jonathan Pine, which eventually went to Tom Hiddleston.
Farr, who adapted John le Carré’s 1993 novel for television, shared that Laurie had long admired the book and had even attempted to option it when he was younger. “It was actually very tricky with Hugh because he’d tried to option the book when he was much younger because he loved it and really wanted to play Pine,” Farr told the news.
When the show started production and Hiddleston was cast as Pine, Laurie became difficult. Farr explained, “Hugh had such fixed ideas, and none of his notes were about his own character, Richard Roper. They were all about Tom’s character, and I was like, ‘Give me a break.’”
Despite this, Laurie remained part of the project, taking on the role of executive producer and appearing in flashbacks for the upcoming second season, which premieres on New Year’s Day. The original series was a global success, attracting 10 million viewers and winning multiple Golden Globes.
Season two will see Hiddleston returning as Pine, alongside Olivia Colman, and new cast members Camila Morrone and Diego Calva. Fans can expect thrilling twists as the story continues, with Laurie’s presence still felt through key flashback scenes.
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama of casting one of television’s most celebrated adaptations, proving that even iconic roles almost went to different actors
