Just weeks after wrapping up his iconic role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore is already stepping into uncharted territory. And this time, he’s leaving the scrubs and surgical precision behind. In what fans are calling a bold career pivot, Highmore has landed his first major role post-Good Doctor—and it’s a character so radically different from the autistic surgeon that it has everyone talking.
In his new role, reportedly titled “The Raven Protocol” (working title), Highmore plays Edward Vale, a British journalist who uncovers a covert operation involving surveillance, disinformation, and an elite global power network. Set in London and Berlin, the series is described as a gritty psychological drama laced with tension and moral complexity—a far cry from the idealistic operating room of San Jose St. Bonaventure.
Hollywood is no stranger to actors being pigeonholed by their most famous roles. For years, Highmore walked a similar tightrope—first as the wide-eyed child star in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then as the deeply disturbed Norman Bates in Bates Motel, and later as the pure-hearted Shaun. With each leap, he’s proven his ability to disappear into vastly different characters. But The Raven Protocol might be his most calculated risk yet. The stakes are higher. The audience expects more. And Highmore, now also stepping into executive production roles, is not just starring—he’s steering.
While the tone of The Raven Protocol is considerably grittier than The Good Doctor, fans of Highmore’s emotional range won’t be disappointed. Sources close to the project reveal that the show’s heart still beats with ethical dilemmas and psychological nuance—just in a different context. Edward Vale is described as a man torn between the pursuit of truth and the temptation of power. “He’s not the villain,” one writer shared. “But he’s no saint, either.”
Even as this new role takes shape, Freddie Highmore has hinted at further ambitions. He continues to write and develop original scripts, some of which are being shopped to major streaming platforms. His production company, Alfresco Pictures, is also expanding its slate with international collaborations and a focus on high-concept dramas. And let’s not forget—Highmore is multilingual, Oxford-educated, and widely considered one of the most intelligent talents in the business. This new direction in his career could open doors to directing, screenwriting, and even bigger global roles.
For many fans, saying goodbye to Dr. Shaun Murphy was an emotional experience. The Good Doctor tackled mental health, neurodiversity, and human connection in ways rarely seen on network television. And Freddie Highmore’s performance was at the heart of it all. But just as Shaun evolved over seven seasons, so too must the actor behind him. With The Raven Protocol, Highmore isn’t just moving on—he’s leveling up. And if early signs are any indication, this may be the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in one of the most quietly brilliant careers in television today.
