Rami Malek is about to flip the spy game on its head. Best known for his tech-whiz roles and Oscar-winning turn as Freddie Mercury, Malek is trading in his hoodie for a handgun (sort of) in the upcoming thriller The Amateur. And trust us, this is not your typical action hero flex.
Set to hit theaters on April 11, 2025, The Amateur sees Malek as Charles Heller, a CIA cryptographer who’s more at home with code than combat. But when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London, Charles does the unthinkable—he blackmails his own agency into training him as a field operative. Because when you’re a data guy in a world of assassins, sometimes the best weapon isn’t brute strength—it’s a mind sharp enough to outthink the killers.
This isn’t a muscle-bound revenge fantasy. Charles Heller isn’t John Wick or Jason Bourne—hell, he probably couldn’t take on your grandpa in a fistfight. But that’s what makes The Amateur so damn compelling. It’s a spy thriller from the perspective of someone who’s underestimated, overlooked, and out for blood. And Malek? He’s bringing that signature intensity—eyes burning with quiet fury, every move calculated, every word measured.
A Cast Stacked with Heavyweights
Behind Malek, The Amateur boasts a serious lineup. Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Caitríona Balfe (Outlander), and Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) are all on board, ensuring the emotional stakes are as high as the body count. Directing this gripping tale is James Hawes, with a screenplay penned by Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down) and Gary Spinelli (American Made). Translation? Expect tension, grit, and some serious double-crossing.
Action That Hits Different
Sure, we all love a slick car chase or a rooftop fistfight, but The Amateur is promising something smarter. With Charles relying more on ingenuity than brute force, the action is set to be tense, tactical, and unpredictable. Think more Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy than Mission: Impossible, with just enough raw revenge energy to keep you glued to the screen.
And let’s talk locations—this flick is taking us across London, France, and Turkey, dialing up the international espionage vibes. At 123 minutes, it’s just the right length to thrill, shock, and maybe even break your heart a little.
Mark Your Calendars
Spy fans, revenge-thriller junkies, Malek stans—this one’s for you. The Amateur isn’t about brute force; it’s about brains, obsession, and a man pushed to his breaking point. And with Malek at the helm, you already know it’s gonna be unforgettable.
As Charles himself puts it:
“Do you ever account for the things I’m good at?”
We’re about to find out.
