After bidding farewell to his iconic role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore is wasting no time diving into his next ambitious television project — and this one promises to show a completely different side of the acclaimed actor. Highmore is officially set to headline The Assassin, a dark and gripping thriller series that marks his return to television in a role unlike anything he’s done before.
Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy earned him widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base over the show’s seven-season run. Audiences watched as the autistic surgical resident evolved into a confident, brilliant doctor navigating both personal and professional challenges. The series finale was an emotional send-off, and Highmore himself described it as “a bittersweet goodbye to a character that taught me so much.”
Now, Highmore is flipping the script — both literally and figuratively — in The Assassin, where he plays a man with a secret past and a lethal set of skills. Details about the plot are being kept tightly under wraps, but sources describe the character as “cold, calculating, and haunted by the choices he’s made.” Highmore, who is also producing the series, says he was drawn to the complexity of the role. “It’s a complete departure from Shaun Murphy, and that’s what made it so compelling,” he explained in an interview. “This character lives in a world of shadows. He’s not a hero, but he’s not exactly a villain either. It’s about walking that line.”
Fans of Bates Motel know that Highmore can deliver chilling performances with uncanny emotional depth. As Norman Bates, he brought nuance and sympathy to a notoriously disturbed character. The Assassin appears to be a return to that more psychologically intense territory, and viewers are eager to see how far he’s willing to go. This time, however, the darkness is less about inner psychosis and more about external forces. The series is said to explore themes of morality, identity, and redemption — set against the backdrop of global espionage and high-stakes assassination.
The Assassin will be filmed across multiple countries, including the UK, Italy, and Morocco, making it one of Highmore’s most ambitious projects yet. The series is being produced by a major streaming platform (rumored to be Amazon Prime Video), and it reportedly has a significant budget — a clear sign that the studio is betting big on Highmore’s star power.
The creative team behind the show includes writers from Bodyguard and Line of Duty, suggesting a fast-paced, intelligent thriller with plenty of plot twists. Highmore is also credited as an executive producer, continuing his transition from child actor to industry powerhouse. “It’s thrilling to be involved from the ground up,” he said. “This story was something I couldn’t stop thinking about — and I knew I had to be a part of it, both on screen and behind the scenes.”
So what kind of assassin is Highmore playing? According to early reports, the character is a former intelligence operative who disappeared after a covert mission went tragically wrong. Years later, he’s forced out of hiding when his past resurfaces — putting him back in the crosshairs of both enemies and allies. Unlike typical action-thriller leads, this assassin isn’t a stoic, emotionless killer. Instead, he’s introspective, almost philosophical about the violence in his past. Highmore said he was drawn to the inner conflict the character experiences. “He’s not chasing vengeance or glory. He’s trying to survive his own conscience.”
While Highmore has already proven himself a formidable actor, The Assassin signals a strategic shift in his career. By choosing a gritty, adult-oriented thriller, he’s stepping firmly into leading man territory — no longer the boy genius or awkward prodigy, but a dangerous and emotionally scarred antihero.
It also showcases his range not just as an actor but as a storyteller. As co-creator and producer, Highmore is shaping the series’ direction, proving he has just as much talent behind the camera as in front of it. Hollywood insiders have taken note. One industry analyst remarked, “Freddie’s choice to lead a high-stakes thriller right after The Good Doctor is smart. He’s maintaining his momentum, but he’s also reinventing himself. That’s the kind of career move that defines longevity.”
Production on The Assassin is expected to begin later this year, with a premiere date anticipated in mid-to-late 2026. Casting announcements are still under wraps, but rumors suggest a mix of high-profile co-stars and international talent. Until then, Highmore is using his time to prepare for the physically and emotionally demanding role. “This character lives on the edge,” he said. “He’s constantly in danger, but it’s the emotional toll — the moral weight of what he’s done — that really drives the story.”
