Peacock’s gripping new spy show hides a thrilling cinematic secret: a direct lineage to the iconic James Bond franchise. This connection isn’t just thematic; it’s much more than that.
The Copenhagen Test’s Kathleen Chalfant talks James Bond connection
Kathleen Chalfant, who plays the enigmatic St. George in The Copenhagen Test, confirmed that her character was shaped with a clear point of reference in mind. Chalfant told CBR, “Well, I think the obvious paragon of this genre is Judy Dench as M, so that’s, it’s only something to aspire to.”
For more context, in Peacock’s new spy show, St. George oversees The Orphanage, placing her in a position of authority similar to M, the head of MI6 in the James Bond films. Dench famously defined that role with restraint, intelligence, and quiet menace, aka the qualities that Chalfant’s character channels in a modern espionage setting.
Chalfant expressed clear admiration for the legacy she’s stepping into, adding, “It was very, very exciting to be asked to join this really interesting pantheon, but especially at the top of it is Judy Dench.” When asked to name a favorite Dench performance, she quipped, “All of them.” The acknowledgment shows how deliberately The Copenhagen Test aligns itself with classic spy archetypes while updating them for today’s television.
The Copenhagen Test stars Simu Liu as Alexander Hale, a first-generation intelligence analyst accused of treason after discovering his own perceptions have been manipulated. Forced to maintain the appearance of normalcy, Hale secretly works to uncover who has hacked his mind and why. Created by Thomas Brandon, who co-showruns it with Jennifer Yale.
Beyond Bond comparisons, Yale has also pointed to thematic overlap with Legion, a series she previously wrote for. She explained that The Copenhagen Test similarly balances psychological uncertainty with grounded storytelling, allowing its sci-fi elements to heighten, rather than overshadow, the espionage. Now, fans can watch this reference-filled spy show streaming on Peacock.
