‘Billion Dollar Spy’ Adds Tony Goldwyn, Rufus Sewell and Justin Theroux as Cold War Thriller Starts Production

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Filming has started for the upcoming thriller “Billion Dollar Spy,” a production by Walden Media and Weed Road Pictures. Starring in this movie are Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe and Harry Lawtey from “Industry.” Amma Asante, a BAFTA award winner known for directing “Belle” and “A Way of Life,” is at the helm of this project. The film is currently being shot in Budapest, and it’s based on the true story of a Soviet spy named Adolf Tolkachev. Russell Crowe portrays Tolkachev while Lawtey takes on the role of his CIA handler inside Moscow Station, who goes by the name Tom Lenihan. As previously revealed, Vera Farmiga will play Tolkachev’s wife Natasha, and Willa Fitzgerald will portray Mae Lenihan.

In the stellar cast of the upcoming film, we have Tony Goldwyn (known for “Oppenheimer” and “Law & Order”), playing the role of CIA case officer Burton Gerber, Rufus Sewell (“The Diplomat” and “The Man in the High Castle”) as CIA Moscow Bureau Chief Gus Hathaway, and Justin Theroux (“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “White House Plumbers”) portraying CIA case officer Van Spencer. Furthermore, Tennyson Crowe has been added to the cast as Sasha Tolkachev, who is Adolf’s son.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning book penned by David E. Hoffman has been transformed for the big screen, with the screenplay written by Ben August (known for “Class Rank” and “Remember”) and Academy Award-winner Stephen Gaghan (renowned for “Traffic,” “Syriana,” and “Rules of Engagement”).

Adolf Tolkachev was one of the CIA’s most valuable resources during the Cold War era. Dissatisfied with the Soviet system, Tolkachev bravely chose to share thousands of classified documents with the United States, putting his life on the line. To this day, a portrait of Tolkachev, holding a spy camera, remains hanging in the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia – the only non-American portrait displayed there.

Frank Smith, Benjamin Tappan, and Cher Hawrysh from Walden Media are teaming up with Akiva Goldsman and Greg Lessans of Weed Road Pictures for production. Jane Hooks and Naia Cucukov take on the role as executive producers. Ildiko Kemeny, David Minkowski, and Ferenc Szále from Pioneer Stillking Films will assist as co-producers. Hanway Films manages international sales, while CAA Media Finance handles domestic rights.

To truly bring ‘Billion Dollar Spy’ to the screen, it takes more than excellent movie-making skills; it necessitates a cast capable of portraying the deep emotions and quiet bravery of these actual individuals,” stated Frank Smith, President and CEO of Walden Media. “With Amma at the helm, we have faith that our talented group of actors will give performances worthy of David Hoffman’s gripping book and Tolkachev’s inspiring act of valor.

Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, expressed her delight that a highly anticipated project with an exceptional team is now being produced and shared her anticipation for disclosing further updates to potential buyers at Cannes.

Goldwyn is managed by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Untitled, and Schreck Rose; Sewell is managed by CAA, Julian Belfrage Associates, and Jackoway Austin; Theroux is managed by CAA, Lighthouse Management & Media, and Felker Toczek; Tennyson Crowe is represented by George Freeman at Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

In simpler terms, Goldwyn, Sewell, Theroux, and Tennyson Crowe are all associated with different talent agencies or management companies. Goldwyn works with CAA, Untitled, and Schreck Rose; Sewell is affiliated with CAA, Julian Belfrage Associates, and Jackoway Austin; Theroux collaborates with CAA, Lighthouse Management & Media, and Felker Toczek; Tennyson Crowe is under the management of George Freeman at Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

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2025-04-30 18:16