British actress Keeley Hawes has officially joined forces with Freddie Highmore and Shalom Brune-Franklin on the set of the upcoming thriller The Assassin, a new film already generating considerable buzz in the international film community. The trio was recently spotted filming key scenes in London, offering audiences a first glimpse at what could be one of next year’s most gripping cinematic experiences.
The Assassin is directed by acclaimed filmmaker James Watkins, known for his work on Eden Lake and The Woman in Black. The film is said to blend psychological tension with sharp political undercurrents, centering on a brilliant but conflicted operative (played by Highmore) who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deception. Hawes reportedly plays a high-ranking intelligence officer whose loyalties are uncertain, while Brune-Franklin stars as a mysterious informant with secrets of her own.
Highmore, best known for his critically acclaimed roles in Bates Motel and The Good Doctor, has spent the past few years expanding his range both in front of and behind the camera. In The Assassin, he takes on a darker, more morally complex role—something fans of his clean-cut image may find both surprising and refreshing. A source close to the production describes his performance as “intense, cerebral, and unlike anything audiences have seen from him before.”
Keeley Hawes, whose career has been defined by her commanding performances in Bodyguard, Line of Duty, and The Durrells, brings gravitas and emotional depth to the project. Her chemistry with Highmore is said to be one of the film’s strongest elements, anchoring the story in psychological realism.
Shalom Brune-Franklin, known for her breakout roles in Our Girl and Line of Duty, continues to rise as one of Britain’s most exciting young talents. Her role in The Assassin is rumored to be pivotal, challenging the moral compass of both Highmore’s and Hawes’ characters.
While details of the plot remain tightly under wraps, early reports suggest that The Assassin explores themes of identity, surveillance, and the cost of loyalty in an era dominated by misinformation and espionage. The film’s production design has been described as sleek and modern, with much of the action taking place in shadowy European locales, reminiscent of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Night Manager.
Principal photography is currently underway, with an anticipated release in late 2025. Industry insiders predict that the film could become a major player on the festival circuit next year, given the caliber of its cast and creative team.
With three of Britain’s finest actors at its core—Keeley Hawes, Freddie Highmore, and Shalom Brune-Franklin—The Assassin promises to deliver not just high-stakes intrigue, but a layered exploration of human vulnerability under pressure. If early buzz is any indication, audiences are in for a stylish and emotionally charged thriller that could redefine the genre.
