Hugh Bonneville from ‘Downton Abbey’ Cast in Showtime’s ‘The Agency’

Hugh Bonneville is set to make a guest appearance in the upcoming espionage political thriller series "The Agency" on Paramount+ with Showtime. The series, based on the French show "Le Bureau des Legendes," features an ensemble cast including Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Katherine Waterston, among others. Production is currently underway in London.

In "The Agency," Bonneville will portray James Richardson, a British agent with a significant history alongside Michael Fassbender’s character, Martian. The official synopsis teases a complex narrative involving Martian, a covert CIA agent, who is compelled to leave his undercover life and return to London Station. As he reconnects with a past love interest, the boundaries between his personal life and professional obligations blur, leading to a high-stakes game of international intrigue and espionage.

Bonneville, known for his prominent role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the acclaimed series "Downton Abbey," has an extensive acting portfolio that includes appearances in both "Paddington" films, "Notting Hill," and "The Monuments Men," among others. He is represented by Gordon & French and Milk Publicity.

The series is helmed by writers and executive producers Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, with Joe Wright serving as an executive producer and director for the initial episodes. The star-studded list of executive producers features industry heavyweights like George Clooney and Grant Heslov of Smokehouse Pictures, alongside Keith Cox and Nina L. Diaz from Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.

"The Agency" is slated to premiere on Paramount+ for on-demand viewing before its linear debut. International audiences in regions like the UK, Canada, and Australia will also have access to the show on Paramount+. The series is a collaborative effort between Paramount Global Content Distribution and Federation Studios for international distribution.

With an intriguing premise and a stellar cast, "The Agency" promises to deliver a thrilling narrative that blends romance, espionage, and high-stakes drama. Fans of espionage thrillers and political dramas can look forward to Bonneville’s captivating performance in this highly anticipated series.