Get ready for a television event that promises to leave viewers breathless. Acclaimed actors Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes are officially teaming up for The Assassin, a gripping new spy thriller coming to Prime Video. Known for their versatility and captivating performances, the British duo is set to bring intense drama, razor-sharp intelligence, and emotional complexity to what may become one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Fans of The Good Doctor might still be recovering from the emotional series finale, but Freddie Highmore isn’t slowing down. After portraying the kind-hearted and brilliant Dr. Shaun Murphy for seven seasons, he’s now stepping into the shadowy world of covert operations. In The Assassin, Highmore plays Nathan Caine, a linguist-turned-intelligence analyst with a secret past and a knack for decoding the world’s deadliest puzzles. When a high-ranking MI6 agent is killed under mysterious circumstances, Nathan is pulled from behind his desk and thrust into a lethal game of cat and mouse. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear—he may not be the prey.
Hawes is no stranger to espionage dramas, having left a lasting impact with her roles in Bodyguard, Spooks, and Line of Duty. But The Assassin promises to give her a new kind of edge. Elise is brilliant, unpredictable, and haunted by secrets that could topple governments. Filming for The Assassin has taken place across multiple international locations, including London, Prague, Istanbul, and Casablanca, adding a rich layer of authenticity to the high-stakes narrative. The globe-trotting setting mirrors the show’s plot, which delves into international conspiracies, rogue agents, and a shadow war that stretches across continents.
After his groundbreaking work in Bates Motel and The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore has become known for portraying complex, layered individuals who operate just outside the bounds of normalcy. The Assassin continues that legacy, giving him a character who is intellectually brilliant yet emotionally fractured. Nathan Caine isn’t your typical action lead. He doesn’t rely on brute force but rather on intellect, memory, and intuition. Yet he’s thrust into a world where violence is unavoidable and trust is dangerous.
Hawes’ Elise is not just a sidekick or love interest. She is central to the plot, with her own mission, motives, and moments of reckoning. The writers have ensured that she’s not simply helping the male lead, but often outmaneuvering him. “She’s complex in all the best ways,” said David Farr. “There’s a ruthlessness to her that makes you uncomfortable, yet she’s incredibly human. You want her on your side—but you’re afraid she might be playing you.”
Prime Video is reportedly positioning The Assassin as a tentpole release, similar to the high-profile treatment given to series like Jack Ryan and Reacher. With its international cast, prestige-level writing, and cinematic flair, it’s easy to see why. There are already whispers that The Assassin may launch a larger franchise. Talks of a potential second season—or even spin-offs based on other operatives within the MI6 universe—have begun circulating. Prime Video executives are reportedly thrilled with the early reception, and given the star power of Highmore and Hawes, The Assassin could very well become the next must-watch global series.
In The Assassin, Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes don’t just act—they captivate. Bringing intelligence, emotion, and gravitas to a genre often driven by spectacle alone, the duo is poised to redefine the spy thriller for a new generation. As Nathan and Elise navigate a world of shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and dangerous truths, viewers can expect a series that doesn’t just thrill—it makes you think. So whether you’re a fan of slow-burn psychological thrillers or heart-racing action, The Assassin is set to deliver on all fronts.
