After months of secrecy and speculation, production is officially underway on The Assassin, Amazon Prime Video’s high-stakes thriller series starring Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes. Cameras have begun rolling in Greece, setting the tone for what insiders are calling one of the streaming platform’s most ambitious international projects to date.
Bringing together two of Britain’s most versatile and respected actors, The Assassin promises a gripping narrative filled with danger, deception, and moral complexity — all set against a backdrop of sun-soaked ruins, shadowy political forces, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
A New Role for Freddie Highmore
Following the conclusion of The Good Doctor, in which Highmore played the brilliant and empathetic Dr. Shaun Murphy, the actor is now stepping into a dramatically different world — one filled with cold precision and deadly secrets. In The Assassin, Highmore plays Alex Breen, a disavowed former intelligence operative who has gone off the grid — until his past resurfaces with a vengeance.
This role marks a major shift for Highmore, who has spent much of his career playing characters defined by emotional depth, innocence, or moral clarity. Breen is something else entirely: a man who’s killed for country, lost everything, and now must navigate a world where everyone has an agenda — and where trust is a luxury he can’t afford.
“This isn’t the kind of character I’ve played before,” Highmore said in a statement. “He’s broken, dangerous, and completely unpredictable. That duality — between the man he was and who he’s become — is what really drew me to the story.”
Highmore also serves as an executive producer on the project, continuing his behind-the-scenes involvement that began during his work on The Good Doctor.
Keeley Hawes Brings the Fire
Joining Highmore is Keeley Hawes, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in Bodyguard, Line of Duty, and The Durrells. In The Assassin, Hawes plays Elena Vardalos, a high-ranking intelligence official with secrets of her own — and a deeply personal connection to Breen’s past.
Whether she’s friend, foe, or something in between remains one of the show’s central mysteries.
“Elena is layered — brilliant, loyal, manipulative,” said Hawes. “She has her own scars and her own mission, and she’s not afraid to bend the rules to get what she wants.”
The dynamic between Breen and Vardalos will reportedly form the emotional and psychological backbone of the series, blending slow-burning tension with intense action.
Greece as a Cinematic Battleground
The choice to begin filming in Greece adds a rich, atmospheric layer to the series. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the narrow, sunlit streets of Thessaloniki and the rugged coastal landscapes of Crete, the production is using the country’s diverse scenery to evoke both beauty and danger.
Executive producer Chris Black (of Outcast and Severance) explained, “We wanted the locations to feel like characters themselves — not just backdrops, but reflections of the inner lives of our protagonists. Greece offers that kind of texture.”
The series will also shoot in other international locations, including Morocco, France, and the UK, reinforcing its global scope and espionage-heavy storyline.
What We Know About the Plot
Plot details remain closely guarded, but here’s what has been confirmed:
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Alex Breen (Highmore) is a former government assassin who disappeared after a disastrous mission.
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When a high-profile political killing bears his signature, he becomes the prime suspect — and must return from exile to uncover the truth.
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Elena Vardalos (Hawes) is both hunting and protecting him — the lines are blurry.
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A global conspiracy is unfolding, involving intelligence agencies, corporate power, and an emerging AI weapon system called “Prometheus.”
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Each episode will peel back layers of betrayal, trauma, and redemption as Breen is forced to confront not just his enemies, but also the man he’s become.
The Team Behind the Camera
The Assassin is created by David Farr, best known for his work on The Night Manager and Hanna. The series is being produced by Amazon Studios in association with Highmore’s production company Alfresco Pictures and UK-based Kudos.
Farr described the project as “a cerebral action thriller with heart — grounded in character, but never short on adrenaline.” He added, “It’s a story about loyalty, memory, and the cost of silence.”
The directing team includes female powerhouse directors like Eva Sørhaug (Occupied) and Mounia Akl (Costa Brava, Lebanon), signaling the show’s commitment to global storytelling and visual innovation.
A Role That Could Redefine Highmore’s Career
While Freddie Highmore has long been respected for his versatility and depth, The Assassin could mark a career-defining moment for him as an adult dramatic lead in the action-thriller genre. Early buzz from industry insiders suggests his performance is “unexpectedly brutal, magnetic, and quietly devastating.”
“This might be the Freddie Highmore role that finally earns him an Emmy,” one anonymous producer claimed. “People are going to see him in a whole new light.”
Social media has already exploded with reactions to the first leaked set photos showing Highmore in tactical gear, bearded and bruised, stalking through a narrow Grecian alleyway. Fans have praised the actor’s transformation and are counting down the days to the first trailer.
“This is not our sweet Shaun anymore,” one fan tweeted. “He looks like he’s about to dismantle an entire spy agency with a paperclip. I can’t wait.”
Keeley Hawes fans are equally excited, with one comment reading, “Put her in a power suit and give her moral ambiguity? I’m ALL IN.”
