Rami Malek, known for his Oscar-winning role as Freddie Mercury, steps into a new genre with The Amateur, an action-packed spy thriller. The film, releasing April 11, marks his first lead in an action movie and his debut as a producer. Here’s what you need to know about the project and Malek’s journey to becoming an unlikely action hero.
From Freddie to Fighter
After winning an Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody, Malek surprised fans by saying he wanted to star in an action film. “I thought there was a group of people who were underrepresented in that genre,” he explained. In The Amateur, he plays Charlie Heller, a CIA codebreaker who turns vigilante after his wife is murdered. Malek described the character as “someone who’s really underestimated or overlooked” but uses his intelligence to become “quite the badass”. To prepare, he leaned into Heller’s relatability: “You probably haven’t seen an action film like this. It’s very cerebral”.
Outsider Roles Hit Home
Malek often plays characters who feel alienated, and he admits this connects to his own life. Growing up as a first-generation Egyptian American, he said, “Fitting in was something I worked hard on and never seemed to perfectly adjust to”. This theme carries into The Amateur, where Heller’s quiet determination mirrors Malek’s own resilience. “People have been using the term ‘geek’ and ‘nerd,’ but I just see someone who’s overlooked,” he said.
London Sets & New Challenges
Malek not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer. He pushed to shoot in London, where part of the story unfolds. “There’s something about being in Los Angeles where you always revert back to that youthful place of still trying to discover yourself… I have more confidence in this city,” he shared. The movie features high-stakes scenes, including a skyscraper pool sequence filmed in Madrid (though the story claims it’s London).
Co-Stars Praise Malek’s Depth
Laurence Fishburne, who plays Heller’s tough mentor, called the film “about love” at its core: “His love for his wife drives him to seek retribution”. Rachel Brosnahan, portraying Heller’s wife, added, “Anybody can understand losing somebody… and being pushed to do things you never thought possible”. Director James Hawes compared the film’s tone to Bourne and Mission: Impossible, but critics noted Malek’s unique approach: “His line readings are distinctive, though anguished moments feel eccentric”.
Action Star Advice
Though not detailed in interviews, Malek reportedly sought advice from Tom Cruise ahead of filming. While specifics weren’t shared, Cruise’s influence on practical stunts might explain Malek’s hands-on approach, including a scene where his character learns lock-picking via YouTube.
The Amateur hits theaters April 11. For fans of Malek or spy thrillers, this offers a fresh take on revenge stories with a brainy twist.
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Sources: CBS News
