London, UK – British actor Freddie Highmore has spent much of his career being celebrated for portraying kind-hearted geniuses — from Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the gifted but socially awkward Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor. But in his newest project, The Assassin, Highmore has traded stethoscopes and hospital corridors for gunfire and moral chaos. The move marks the boldest transformation yet for the actor once seen as television’s gentle prodigy.
Premiering July 25, 2025 on Prime Video, The Assassin stars Highmore as Edward, the estranged son of Julie (played by Keeley Hawes), a retired hitwoman whose quiet life on a sun-soaked Greek island is shattered when her violent past resurfaces. Edward’s unexpected arrival forces old enemies out of hiding, setting the stage for a taut, emotionally charged six-part thriller that blends espionage, family trauma, and betrayal.
For Highmore, the role is more than a new challenge—it’s a statement. After seven years leading ABC’s The Good Doctor, the actor reportedly sought something “messier, darker, and more adult.” His portrayal of Edward captures that evolution: vulnerable yet hardened, sympathetic yet unpredictable. Unlike Shaun Murphy, who inspired empathy through innocence, Edward draws intrigue through ambiguity.
The production, helmed by Two Brothers Pictures (the team behind Fleabag and The Tourist), was filmed across stunning Greek locales, emphasizing both beauty and danger. Critics have praised the show’s cinematography and tension, calling it “the most visually elegant thriller on Prime Video this year.” Others have highlighted the emotional complexity of the mother-son dynamic, describing Highmore and Hawes’ performances as “rivetingly intimate amid the chaos.”
Early reviews, however, reveal a divide. Critics have rated the series highly—averaging over 90% approval—while audience reactions hover closer to 40%. The contrast suggests that while The Assassin excels as prestige television, its pacing and cerebral tone may challenge casual viewers. Yet, that may be exactly what Highmore intended. By stepping away from mainstream appeal, he’s signaling a transition toward roles that demand nuance over comfort.
Highmore’s involvement behind the camera is equally noteworthy. As an executive producer, he has taken on greater creative control, shaping not only his character but also the project’s tone. This dual role cements his growing reputation as an actor-producer capable of steering sophisticated narratives.
If The Good Doctor showcased Highmore’s heart, The Assassin reveals his edge. It’s a career pivot that aligns him with actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott—performers who have successfully navigated between mainstream success and darker, riskier territory.
Ultimately, The Assassin isn’t just another thriller; it’s Freddie Highmore’s reinvention. After years of portraying earnest prodigies, he’s proving he can just as convincingly inhabit a world of secrets, violence, and redemption. Whether audiences embrace this new persona or not, one thing is clear: Freddie Highmore is no longer playing it safe—and the result is fascinating to watch.
