How Gary Oldman Landed His Dream Role as a Farting Slob in 'Slow Horses' | TheWrap Magazine

Several years ago, Gary Oldman was talking to his manager, Douglas Urbanski, when he made a modest request. He wanted, he told Urbanski, to do a project - a TV series, maybe - where he could play a well-written character over a more extensive arc than you’d get in a two-hour movie. He’d rather not have to do an accent or wear cumbersome costumes - in fact, he’d prefer it if there weren’t too many costume changes at all. He didn’t want a role that required the kind of prosthetics and extensive makeup work that helped win him an Oscar for “Darkest Hour.” Oh, and it’d be great if it was set in the world of espionage.
A while after he gave Urbanski that wishlist, the two men were on a plane together. Urbanski was perusing a script. “What are you reading?” Oldman asked him.
“I’m reading a character who’s about to become your new best friend,” Urbanski said. “I won’t say anything more than that.”
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[@jasonbertles]

10 seasons of this still won't be enough. Love this show.

[@HisameArtwork]

ah yes verbal abuse from employer, the show. it's enjoyable because there are enough fantastical elements to where it's not a believable scenario and he's actually funny compared to real life abusive bosses. dunno if people noticed he's usually not abusive to the female employees, like Standish only one gets some heat after she pushes his buttons and I keep seeing australians say his humor toward male employees is not abuse it's just normal for australia and if you don't like it don't go over there. like what have the emus done to the poor australians?

[@ithanglow]

@@HisameArtworkblah blah blah get over yourself

[@Pammellam]

Please do read the books, they are more than wonderful!

[@mariabolt3881]

The show good because they stay true to the books. Love the books! Love the show! Not often you can say that.

[@ShaneBaker]

Slow Horses as a TV show is as good as the books deserve. Keep them coming!!

[@bobjary9382]

The books are good too

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

I don’t think it’s quite as funny as the books. And you certainly nothing like I envisaged Lamb. 😊

[@bobjary9382]

@phoenix-xu9xj I really admire Gary Oldman , there are few actors that have the talent , the authenticity and can be so exiting to watch , but the tv script robs him of some really hilarious dialogue that has stayed in the books . I cant work out why more of those brilliant lines never came out of Oldmans mouth ?

[@lemonesnicket]

Such a quality character that only a Mr. Oldman could deliver.

[@paulleverton9569]

I love Oldman but thought he was a strange choice to play George Smiley. He would have made a better Bill Hayden. Maybe I was annoyed because I've spent decades waiting to see Simon Russell Beale play Smiley. He's absolutely perfect for the role.

[@sundaysloth4559]

Oh rather

[@KutchaKutchakutchinKutchin]

A terrific show. The cast is best and Gary Oldman is outstanding.

[@vmcv3284]

I still think that the line :How's the drinking? - Fine, thanks. it's one of the best lines in the history of TV

[@bmxmata]

hit it on the head

[@theo-jamesmoulton2000]

''And the smoking? 'I quit.' 'Really?' 'Yep, I haven't had one in... 27 minutes.'

[@sundaysloth4559]

Class

[@sohailpathan314]

Explain please 😢

[@Cliffo-me8wn]

‘What a dump” “It’s an old building” “No, that will take more than one flush”

[@austinado16]

Slow Horses is absolutely fantastic! The acting and the writing, and the cinematography are just incredible.

[@bonnyvondolores2647]

Only Gary Oldman could make Lamb a lovable character !

[@larryboyes7276]

Fantastic books by Herron, and fantastic characterisation by Oldman. Jackson Lamb is a hero.

[@grahammcfadyenhill9555]

Slow Horses is absolutely brilliant TV. Oldman is amazing. I hope to live long enough to see every season of the show.

[@hedge685]

Jackson Lamb is the character every show needs to make a viewer sit up and pay close attention because he delivers the subtle one liners on the beat...the heart of the show in other words.

[@alastairs3727]

Just finished season 4, utterly brilliant , just the best show I’ve seen in donkeys years

[@fatxcontroller]

the best line is...'it's like trying to explain Norway to a dog!'

[@SgtMjr]

Gary Oldman as George Smiley: On screen for 10 mins doesn't say a line only looks and reactions, captures Le Carre's character brilliantly. Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb: Wakes himself up with a massive fart, captures Herron's character brilliantly.

[@DudeSilad]

I see his Lamb character as a cross between George Smiley, his incredible intelligence. And Jim Royle from the Royle Family who doesn't give a flying f**k.

[@gearygeraldinebridge6266]

Every actor fits their character so perfectly!! And Gary Oldman is epic!!

[@deniswhitburn2626]

Just watched first three seasons again... a rarity in TV, perfect casting of all characters, next to no glamour... a true classic in the making.

[@gdok6088]

Slow Horses is brilliant. I am counting down the days to the season 4. The combination of action, interesting plots, subtle humour and great actors, especially Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden is sublime. TV at its very best.

[@Groton1883]

Fantastic show, we all can’t wait for it to return. Oldman is brilliant

[@Koolbob2]

Outstanding cast makes the characters come to life so you care about them. I usually watch each one a couple of times to see what I missed the first time around because of a unexpected plot twist or because I was laughing so hard I missed a line.

[@alexteli8846]

As good as it gets. Gary Oldman is excellent.

[@BlueGorilla111]

The tone and pace is absolutely perfect, Gary Oldman is the centre piece, can’t wait for the new series

[@petergabriel8448]

He carries the whole show. Brillant!

[@ladalekoehler2176]

I would love any movie Gary Oldman is in. But I like this character.

[@SilverfoxJB]

Just binge watched the first four seasons. Totally engaging and Oldman is brilliant.

[@rachelbrodeur2600]

He is absolutely brilliant.

[@mjfreaklove]

I can't wait until September for the Season 4...this show is bloody amazing!!!

[@grahammcfadyenhill9555]

Season 4 is brilliant.

[@flact75]

This show is brilliant. Hope it continues for a long time. Oldman is one of my favorite actors.

[@graemetimoney7002]

You can tell Gary loves the character as he has so much fun playing Lamb.

[@mccann444]

Outstanding by Oldman again . I love the series and the humour and seriousness of the drama I really must get the books looking forward to the 4 th Series ❤️

[@Rdg____]

One of the best actors of his generation, imo.

[@paulharland2238]

Gary Oldman is superb 👌 👏 Brilliant show, hoping for many, many series..

[@Grumpyman78-c7d]

Absolutely love this show and Gary Oldman is brilliant!

[@dimlasp970]

Gary Oldman for that role is probably the best casting Ever 😉. Love Slow Horses.

[@JasonBetz-k2r]

Simply one of the best television series I've ever seen.

[@davidh4048]

My favourite actor ever, and jackson lamb is so funny. Nobody else could have played the role.

[@giaosplinter]

He's astonishing in it ...Every time he's as good as he can be I'm like a proud father 😂 show em Garyyyyyyy

[@richarddavis4954]

Just a brilliant show and character played by a brilliant actor who truly deserves more recognition of his work

[@TheAccountant-e9k]

Watching this tonight, i havent heard of this show, Love Gary Oldman

[@DD-it1th]

I’ve always liked Gary Oldman and this role is perfect for him. Just about every guy can relate some way to his character which is what makes him so (ironically) personable.

[@michaellalli7693]

Great series, and Gary Oldman makes it very worth your time.

[@FMOAB]

Of course Oldman also played Smiley and I find both characters' approach to have similarities. Smiley hides behind a boring "administrator" persona. Lamb hides behind a revolting mess persona. Both live the role. Both used to be field agents so are no strangers to creating a mask. Lamb is brilliant and, despite his problematic past has managed to carve himself out his own fiefdom in London, an independent unit. His agents might be flawed but he knows how to play them to get the best out of them. In the classic Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Smiley also has his team of outsiders.

[@tonecastro3202]

Oldman looks very comfortable in his skin. He's like a old shag carpet; still looks good and comfortable as all heck. Love the characters & script. Great show.

[@NazSBG]

Brilliant actor. His character in Leon (Norman Stansfield) is one of his best. His character was off the wall, bat shit phycotic and he played it extremely well!

[@aromalito63]

his rolle in true romance,not bad either

[@NazSBG]

@@aromalito63 very short role though. But, shows his level of acting talent for sure!

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

“Everyone!”

[@yurikondratesq]

Awesome series, took part in two different seasons, LOVED IT

[@AlexGag-f5v]

Jackson Lamb is my new favorite character!

[@jizzwizzard123]

By far some of the best TV that's ever existed

[@jaffetcordoba4414]

We are enjoying it so much. Get the feeling that somewhere out there past middle earth there is a homeland just full of them. We watch it with subtitles turned on because we are past wanting to learn a new language, for the time being; I ask Deb once in a while, "What did they say?" because I am such a SLOW reader. I have noticed that "h" is often left out, and it is not unusual for the letter "t" to go on strike: so, "sit here" can become "Sea Ear." It seems.

[@robporter817]

This has to be the Best series I have watched, I absolutely love it and Jackson Lamb is Box Office!!! Awesome pls keep the shows coming but do not let these characters go!!!! Everyone are absolutely brilliant !!

[@warrenman1919]

One of the best sitcoms I’ve seen. Love this show. Glad they got renewed for season 4.

[@bernarrcoletta7419]

I honestly don’t know how they can do an entire book in only six episodes but somehow they manage to do so

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

True Romance will ALWAYS be in my top 5.

[@frednurc4088]

Leon

[@sundaysloth4559]

Meantime...

[@KutchaKutchakutchinKutchin]

I cannot remember to have seen such a fantastic show! 5*++

[@edl617]

Jackson Lamb. “My Hero”

[@emgee44]

Ladies and gentlemen, your new superhero…Jackson Lamb 😅

[@ManJunk427]

Such a great and so far... underated show. Found it by accident and can't wait for season 4 and beyond. Blends comedy, drama and action... Superbly.

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

So looking forward to Season 4.

[@denvastevens4337]

The best! Gary Oldman the best! He needs and deserves a golden Globe, Emmy.

[@uchinan_chiburu]

i fricken love this series

[@AlfredMansfield-fp8rc]

Has to be one of the best British drama series on TV ever. 👍👍

[@SweetDreams-wt7vo]

Great characters, great actors, great show. Thoroughly entertaining, credible and flows superbly. Looking forward to Season release with great anticipation.

[@harryviking6347]

I just love "Slow Horses", and "Lamb" is the perfect personality for it! They all are!! I am just so sad it is so few episodes each season!!! Cannot wait for next one! Make MANY SEASONS PLEASE with at least 10 episodes!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@maureensmith7532]

Gary made Jackson lamb so real, you can actually smell him through the tv 😅

[@grahammcfadyenhill9555]

At a recent family dinner, there was gas at the table...I blamed Jackson Lamb.

[@maureensmith7532]

@@grahammcfadyenhill9555 🫣😂

[@danmrkfrandsen598]

Gary Oldman is AWESOME in Slow horses.

[@gy3940]

I love Gary Oldman so much. He is amazing.

[@jdzube2933]

Easily the best show on Apple TV.

[@gdok6088]

By a country mile. Absolutely outstanding.

[@CraigFearon]

Brilliant show and Oldman is fantastic in his role.

[@mike_d_melb_music_fan5229]

He should do a comedy sketch playing both George Smiley and Jackson Lamb, and their 1/2 brothers and Jackson is the crazy uncle at Christmas dinner ! To say Gary Oldman is a legend isn't enough. 😊🙏🙏🙏🙏✊

[@PDWaltz]

Terrific show Terrific acting by Gary n rest of cast Waiting for the next season

[@drewg4261]

I friggin' LOVE this show

[@evy684]

I love this show ! He plays that character so well.

[@mel24681]

I only signed up to Apple to watch Slow Horses. After reading all the books, this could only have been a British crew to do justice to the author's work(read all his books now). Brilliant series, brilliant production, script, editing and superb acting. Will sign up to Apple again for series 4, but there is nothing else on Apple worth watching after that. Interesting to see the characters without Standish, especially Jackson Lamb, the big protective heart trapped inside that Kevlar armour( with gaps for his excess wind)😂. Love Gary Oldman as Lamb. Captivating! All actors so brilliant and true to the books! Bravura.

[@Reactor10k]

Try Silo and Severance.

[@tominator23]

Acapulco and Mythic Quest are worth the watch as well

[@bappysiddiquee1602]

Slow horses is a fresh breath to typical spy series. Enjoyed every single bit of evry season

[@kengruz669]

Love this man's work and this show.

[@griffonwing]

How is it that I am just now finding out about this series in my feed. On the plus side, I dont have to be excited and have to wait for it to come out and I can simply binge the first 3 seasons!

[@jesus_nation]

Perfect, top 3 show ever.

[@redred9882]

Just finished season 3. Cant wait for the new season. Its a fabulous series!!

[@ernestoglesby5342]

Six episodes a season is NOT ENOUGH.

[@JakubKudlacz]

Yet, it’s perfect!

[@YuliiaHetman]

I love this character! Waiting for many more seasons. Best wishes from Ukraine!

[@madade27]

Brilliant show, brilliant story and amazing characters...ALL of them....Lamb is No.1 Fave for me.

[@robertkirk4387]

Gary Oldman is a just great at all he does, I do not remember a bad performance of his.

[@whya2ndaccount]

Slow Horses is the new Smiley's People.

[@mimzy8beeps]

In my top ten shows of all time of all the bloody stupid shows that go on endlessly this is precious and rare ❤

[@flapsnakes]

Gary is the jack Lemon of our era!!!

[@unkleskratch]

A truly great show, at a time when good entertainment is hard to come by.

[@TheKeenanno1]

Gary Oldman is Jackson Lamb.

[@RQUKOfficial]

Binge watched this. Soooo good! Can't wait for the next season.

[@boots2926]

Gary and the whole cast make this series. Plus, as a Londoner I get to see locations i know fairly well. Not the posh ones, the shit holes too.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

Gary is already a national treasure over the years, I've been a fan of him since his "Darkest hour" performance, which made him earn an Oscar for best actor. On the other hand, if you ask me about my favourite Oldman's performance, it's arguably Norman Stanfield's in Leon the Professional where he says his famous line "EVERYONE"😂

[@sandiloumac2778]

I heard it was good. Binge watched the first 4-seasons and now I can't wait for season 5.

[@Star_Gazing_Coffee_Lover]

Never seen the show but the audiobooks, the original ones narrated by Sean Barret.. Excellent!

[@christoph404]

Jackson Lamb is an interesting character brilliantly played by Gary Oldman. When I first started watching the first season I enjoyed the futile office bureaucracy and the mundane things spies had to do, it was like character studies of the people who found themselves working in a department for rejects, and I thought the series would continue that way. As the seasons progressed more and more action sequences were introduced, and for me it just became implausible, the shoot out at the storage facility where the files were kept became like an X-box game, it was like a parody of Mission Impossible with people getting shot left right and centre, all that stuff just jarred with how the series started. It seemed to promise one thing and then veered off in a totally different direction of being an action adventure spy series. I guess you could describe it as a mix between Tinker Tailor and Mission Impossible , I'm waiting for the release of the X Box game " Slow Horses Deadly Mission". I watched all the seasons because of Gary Oldman and the lead characters are very interesting to watch, visuals are great, it is all very well put together, it is very watchable but a lot of the shoot out stuff is just not very believable, I guess it is what audiences want, I don't think a modern audience would tolerate a character driven series in the vein of Tinker Tailor.....people want action sprinkled in there I suppose, I don't because I'm old school, If not a single shot were fired in the whole series I would still be watching.

[@muiresuilgorm3452]

Great to see him enjoying himself.

[@richprice482]

Gary is just pure class.

[@DharmaTime-is-now]

The line about getting into the groundwater is a great in TV history

[@leemzgoogle917]

Love him. Love the show. Looking forward to the upcoming season.

[@gpTeacher]

It's a wonderful show that is totally immersive. LOVE IT!

[@lukeharris3949]

Obnoxious but honourable. Rude and disgusting but not toxic. I like Jackson Lamb. Thank you Gary Oldman. For taking Lamb off the page and successfully putting him on the screen.

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

Gary Oldman is a legend for me.

[@MannyEspinola-q4t]

Thank you for this video. Big fan.

[@greygalah]

The worst thing about Slow Horses is waiting for the next season. Second is waiting a week for the next episode.

[@brucesamia6353]

such a great series