Gary Oldman known for his remarkable portrayal of George Smiley in the 2011 spy Thriller Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy was set to reprise his role in a sequel the original film based on John L's 1974 novel was a critical and Commercial Success earning multiple Awards and nominations including three Academy Award nods fans and critics alike praised oldman's performance as the unassuming yet shrewd British intelligence officer who unravels a complex web of Espionage during the Cold War given the success of Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy plans were underway to adapt LC's 1979 novel Smiley people into a sequel however this much anticipated project has hit an unexpected roadblock according to oldman's manager Douglas urbansky the production was a L halted due to unforeseen complications regarding the rights to the story these rights had reverted to the estate of the late John lar and despite efforts to move forward the author's sons who now manage his estate have shown no interest in seeing Oldman return as George Smiley oransky expressed his confusion over the situation noting that the team was well into the preparation phase when the rights issue arose despite reaching out multiple times including recent attempts LC's sons have remained steadfast in their decision the reasons behind this reluctance remain a mystery especially given the author's personal praise for oldman's portrayal of smiley in the 2011 film this unexpected halt has left fans of both the film and the character disappointed as many were eager to see old men delve back into the intricate world of Cold War Espionage in interestingly there are speculations that LC's estate may be planning a new direction for the character potentially a relaunch for television this however is purely conjecture as no official announcements have been made for those missing Oldman spycraft there is a small consolation he currently stars in the Apple TV plus series slow horses where his character Jackson lamb displays some familiar though distinctly different Espionage skills while not a direct replacement for Smiley lamb offers a taste of oldman's talent for bringing complex and intriguing Intelligence Officers to life as the situation remains unresolved the future of Gary oldman's George Smiley hangs in the balance will the Beloved spy Master return to the screen or will this be the end of his cinematic Journey for now fans can only wait and hope that the doors to Smiley's people will open once again and stay subscribed for more videos