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Matthew Lewis has joined the “cast” of Ian Fleming vs John le Carré, a debate pitting both novelists against one another, taking place later this month. Fleming is known for his novels about spy James Bond while le Carré introduced the world to George Smiley.

Matthew will be joining Alex Macqueen to help bring the novels to life. Dare we hope that Matt will be portraying Ian Flemming’s James Bond, which is one of Lewis’ favorite film franchises?

Tickets are £30 (£15 for students) and can be purchased here. The debate will be held at Emmanuel Centre on November 29th at 7pm. More information on the event may be read below:

They are the titans of the spy novel, who have elevated thrillers to the level of literary fiction. Much imitated, much adapted by the big and small screens, Ian Fleming and John Le Carré have painted our picture of post-war espionage: Fleming through the dashing figure of James Bond, with his lush locations and Martinis as icy as his heart; Le Carré through his damning portrait of the British secret service drawn from his own time in MI5 and MI6. But which of the two novelists is the greater?

In this thrilling contest, Fleming’s case will made by Anthony Horowitz, creator of the bestselling Alex Rider spy novels and author of the official Bond continuation novel Trigger Mortis. Championing Le Carré – whose memoir about his life as a former spy currently sits in the bestseller lists – will be David Farr, Emmy-nominated screenwriter of the BBC’s adaptation of The Night Manager.

‘Fleming is one of the very few writers – Charles Dickens and JK Rowling might be two others – who have transcended fiction, who have created stories that capture a particular time and place, that are universally recognisable and that are, it would seem, immortal,’ says Horowitz. ‘George Smiley is a fascinating character. James Bond is an icon. That’s the difference.’

By contrast, pointing to Le Carré’s own experiences in the secret service, Farr says: ‘John Le Carré turns espionage into existentialism. His canvas is betrayal — of the realm and of the heart. His greatness comes from the personal nature of that exploration.’

To illustrate their arguments, Horowitz and Farr will be calling on a cast of actors to bring the novels to life. So far we are delighted to have confirmed Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis and Peaky Blinders star Alex Macqueen.

Which of the two giants of 20th century spy fiction should wear the laurels? Join us on November 29th, hear the arguments, and make up your mind.

Thanks to AccioMDL for the tip!