Monsieur Spade first look: Clive Owen steps Sam Spade’s gumshoes

Last Updated on October 4, 2023

The first look at the upcoming series Monsieur Spade has arrived, giving another take on the legendary spy character Sam Spade. This time around, Clive Owen has stepped into the role – and the character is having a hard time shedding his image.

In the teaser, a character asks Owen’s Spade, “We have all heard the stories what a tough guy you always were…I wonder, are they true stories?” Spade answers, “No one cares about that Sam Spade anymore.” As it turns out, Sam Spade would like to live a quiet life, which those from his past won’t allow him to do.

The plot of Monsieur Spade, as per AMC+: “Monsieur Spade centers around the infamous protagonist of American writer Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 classic novel The Maltese Falcon. The year is 1963, and the legendary Detective Sam Spade (Owen) is enjoying his retirement in the South of France. By contrast to his days as a private eye in San Francisco, Spade’s life in Bozouls is peaceful and quiet. But the rumored return of his old adversary will change everything. Six beloved nuns have been brutally murdered at the local convent. As the town grieves, secrets emerge, and new leads are established. Spade learns that the murders are somehow connected to a mysterious child who is believed to possess great powers.” Monsieur Spade comes from The Queen’s Gambit co-creator Scott Frank and Oz creator Tom Fontana.

While Humphrey Bogart made Sam Spade famous for Warner Bros., Ricardo Cortez first brought the private investigator to the big screen, followed by Warren William. The likes of George Segal and Mike O’Malley played him in films later on but no portrayer has had the impact of Bogey. Now, it looks as if Clive Owen may have just what it takes to give Spade a unique twist and reintroduce him to a new audience.

Monsieur Spade will run as a six-episode series and come to AMC/AMC+ early next year.

What did you think of the first footage of Clive Owen as Sam Spade in Monsieur Spade? Give us your thoughts on the teaser below!