Gary Oldman: 'Alec Guinness ghost loomed large over Tinker role'

Gary Oldman has admitted that it was a challenge to follow in the footsteps of legendary actor Sir Alec Guinness by starring in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Oldman stars in director Tomas Alfredson's thriller Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy as spymaster George Smiley, a role which had previously been played by Guinness in two television miniseries.

In an interview with The AP, Oldman said that it is somewhat intimidating to be compared to one of the all-time great actors.

"The ghost of Guinness just sort of loomed so large [over Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy]," Oldman explained.

The actor added: "If you're going to play Hamlet, you're going to be measured against all the great Hamlets that have come before you. Or Lear, or Willy Loman, or Blanche DuBois, or whoever.

"You're always going to be somewhat in the shadow of a great performance."

Oldman recently revealed that he would like to reprise the role of George Smiley for a Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy sequel.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is now playing in US cinemas.

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Watch the trailer for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy below: