ACTING ON INSTINCT
FLORENCE PUGH AND ALEXANDER SKARSGÅRD STAR IN A GRIPPING ESPIONAGE THRILLER…
We know that if we were to pitch this series to you as “the new The Night Manager”, that may set unrealistic expectations, because they are very different beasts.
But consider this: they’re both based on John le Carré novels, both boast star casts, both feature beautiful locations, and are both rollicking good stories.
This time, our hero isn’t a suave hotelier but a selfassured young actress, Charlie, who’s on a working holiday in Greece when she encounters a mysterious stranger. The two embark on a romance
– but he has an agenda that soon becomes apparent.
“Their relationship is confusing – I think that’s the point,” reveals Florence Pugh, who plays Charlie. “You’re never quite supposed to know what’s real and what’s pretend. It’s difficult – he can’t tell her the truth, he can’t tell her that he likes her, or that he doesn’t like her. That’s why you should never go on a date with a spy!”
The mystery man – who we’ll come to know as Becker – is recruiting Charlie for a highstakes mission that becomes the role of a lifetime for her. She’ll discover talents she didn’t realise she had, and face dangers she never imagined.
“He’s connecting with Charlie and he really cares about her,” explains Alexander Skarsgård, who plays Becker. “What makes it great is that she’s not a badass spy – she doesn’t know anything about this world. She’s thrown into situations she’s not equipped to handle, but he can’t be with her holding her hand.
The question is, what’s more important: her safety, or the cause? Is she disposable? Is it worth sacrificing an innocent life if you can save 100? That’s something he’s struggling with.”
As part of his seduction of Charlie, Becker invites her on a private tour of the Acropolis at night. Getting permission to film in the real thing was no mean feat for the production team, but both actors think it made all the difference.
“It was insane – we had the place to ourselves from sunset to sunrise,” grins Alexander. “It’s a beautiful sequence, and there are some incredible shots.”
“You’re not often allowed the real thing to react to – usually it’ll be a tennis ball on a stick!” adds Florence. “So they stuck two cameras in our faces, then director Park [Chan-wook] was like, ‘Okay, now react to the Acropolis.’
“Alex and I come round the corner and it’s massive!
It was so special, no acting was required!”
YOU SHOULD NEVER GO ON A DATE WITH A SPY!”
FLORENCE