The main villain in The Night Manager was not born from pure fiction. According to the author’s son, the character was deeply inspired by John le Carré’s own father.
Simon Cornwell, executive producer of the hit spy series, revealed that his late father struggled to escape the shadow of his own upbringing. That personal history shaped the creation of Richard Roper, the show’s ruthless antagonist.
The second season of The Night Manager reached its intense finale on 1 February. Cornwell has also confirmed that a third season is already in development.
A Troubled Relationship That Shaped a Villain
Simon Cornwell described his grandfather as a deeply flawed man. He said Ronnie Cornwell was a con artist who spent years moving in and out of prison.
“He went bankrupt around 13 times,” Cornwell explained. “He wanted to be a powerful businessman, but he had a dark side.”
John le Carré, whose real name was David Cornwell, grew up in a difficult home. His mother left the family when he was just five years old. That loss left a lasting impact on his life and writing.
Like the fictional Roper, Ronnie Cornwell worked as an arms dealer. He also associated with the notorious Kray twins. Courts later jailed him for crimes including insurance fraud and embezzlement.
Cornwell believes his father turned that painful relationship into creative fuel. The emotional weight helped shape some of the most complex villains in modern spy fiction.
Welsh Coastline Featured in Global Spy Drama
Although most scenes were filmed in Colombia and Spain, one location surprised UK viewers.
Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea appeared as a hidden retreat for MI6 technical chief Basil Karapetian.
“We needed a quiet and remote place,” Cornwell said. “Wales felt right for a reflective and emotional scene.”
He added that the location gave the moment a calm and haunting beauty that stayed with the audience.
John le Carré’s Lasting Legacy in Spy Fiction
Le Carré released his first novel Call for the Dead in 1961 while working for MI5. His time in British intelligence inspired 25 novels.
Many of his books, including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Little Drummer Girl, later became major screen adaptations.
Cornwell shared his sadness that his father, who died in 2020, never saw the new chapters of The Night Manager.
“He loved the idea of continuing the story,” Cornwell said. “This series carries his themes, his tension, and his spirit.”
With a third season planned, fans may not have to wait another decade this time.
