For nearly a decade, Freddie Highmore has been the beating heart of The Good Doctor, winning admiration worldwide for his nuanced portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a gifted surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. The series finale marked the end of an emotional era, leaving fans both grateful for the journey and eager to see where the actor would head next. Now, they finally have their answer. Highmore has stepped into a completely new universe with Amazon Prime Video’s gripping thriller The Assassin, a role that promises to reinvent him in the eyes of audiences everywhere.
This is not just another project for Highmore—it is a statement. It signals his growth as an actor, his boldness in choosing challenging roles, and his determination to push beyond the identity of Dr. Shaun Murphy while carrying forward the same authenticity and depth that made him beloved. In The Assassin, Highmore trades the sterile hospital corridors for the sun-soaked yet shadowy landscapes of Greece, entering a story filled with danger, secrets, and survival.
Closing One Chapter, Opening Another
Highmore’s time on The Good Doctor defined an important chapter of his career. For seven seasons, he embodied a character who not only inspired audiences but also helped reshape television’s approach to representation. Shaun Murphy was more than a doctor—he was a symbol of perseverance, proving that difference does not diminish brilliance. Playing Shaun required empathy, patience, and extraordinary attention to detail, qualities Highmore embraced both on screen and behind the scenes.
But every actor eventually faces a crossroads, and for Highmore, the end of The Good Doctor opened a door to reinvention. Instead of choosing a safe follow-up project, he leaned into risk. The Assassin is unlike anything fans have seen from him before. It is darker, more morally ambiguous, and demands a new kind of intensity. In short, it is exactly the type of role an actor takes when he is ready to grow.
Inside The Assassin
Created by Harry and Jack Williams, the masterminds behind The Missing and The Tourist, The Assassin is a six-episode thriller that blends suspense, drama, and emotional complexity. At its core, the series tells the story of Julie, a retired contract killer played by Keeley Hawes, whose past collides with her present when her estranged son Edward—played by Highmore—appears on her remote Greek island.
Edward arrives seeking answers about his father, but what begins as a tense family reunion quickly spirals into danger. Julie’s violent past resurfaces, putting both mother and son in the crosshairs of enemies determined to settle old scores. Together, they are forced into an uneasy alliance, navigating a world where trust is scarce and survival is uncertain.
The setting itself plays a pivotal role. The Greek islands, often seen as idyllic getaways, become a backdrop for tension, creating a striking contrast between beauty and menace. For Edward, the journey is not only about survival but also about uncovering the truth about his family, his identity, and the secrets that shaped his life.
A Bold New Look for Highmore
One of the most striking aspects of The Assassin is Highmore’s transformation. Fans accustomed to his gentle demeanor and earnest charm as Shaun Murphy will be surprised by Edward’s sharper edges. The clean-cut image of a surgeon gives way to a man hardened by questions, uncertainty, and the shadows of his family’s past.
Highmore has always been a chameleon actor. From the innocent Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the unsettling Norman Bates in Bates Motel, he has proven time and again that he can embody characters across the emotional spectrum. Yet The Assassin feels different. It positions him not just as a performer but as a leading man in a world of danger and intrigue. His new look—more rugged, more guarded—signals a deliberate break from Shaun and a bold leap into uncharted territory.
