Matthew Macfadyen: From Succession Success to New Spy Drama and Netflix Series
The Evolution of a Television Icon
Matthew Macfadyen has solidified his position as one of British television’s most compelling actors. Following his Emmy-winning performance as Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s Succession, for which he received Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022 and 2023 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, the actor has continued to take on challenging and diverse roles that showcase his remarkable range.
Death by Lightning: A Presidential Assassination Story
Macfadyen stars as Charles J. Guiteau in the 2025 Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning, exploring the lesser-known story of President James A. Garfield’s assassination in 1881. The series examines how the paths of these two men cross with such devastating consequences. In interviews, Macfadyen has expressed his fascination with the role, describing Guiteau as a complex, troubled individual whose story resonates with universal human desires for belonging and recognition.
Return to Espionage: Legacy of Spies
The actor is returning to his spy drama roots with an exciting new project. Matthew Macfadyen, Charlie Hunnam and Daniel Brühl are headlining a new John le Carré series for the BBC and MGM+, with Legacy of Spies adapting the author’s best-selling novel The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, featuring Macfadyen as master-spy George Smiley. This marks a significant return to the espionage genre for Macfadyen, who originally gained recognition in the BBC series Spooks.
Voice Work and Comedy Ventures
Expanding his portfolio further, Macfadyen will be voicing Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, a production of Audible and J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore. Additionally, Sky has acquired The Miniature Wife, a U.S. comedy-drama starring Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, which will air on Sky and NOW in 2026, following a technological mishap that shrinks Banks’ character.
Why This Matters for Viewers
Macfadyen’s career trajectory demonstrates the versatility and staying power of a truly gifted performer. His ability to transition seamlessly between drama, comedy, historical pieces, and genre work makes him one of the most watchable actors currently working in television. For audiences, this means a steady stream of quality programming featuring an actor at the peak of his powers, bringing depth and nuance to every character he portrays.