Premiering April 11, 2025, The Amateur is a gripping espionage thriller that follows Heller (Rami Malek), a brilliant CIA cryptographer who turns vigilante after his wife is murdered in a London terrorist attack. When the agency refuses to act, Heller uses his unique skills to track down those responsible—unleashing a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that blurs the lines between justice and revenge. Directed by James Hawes (Slow Horses), this edge-of-your-seat drama promises explosive action, razor-sharp tension, and a career-defining performance from its Oscar-winning lead.
The film boasts an all-star cast of acclaimed actors, each bringing depth to this high-stakes world of intelligence and retribution. Below, we break down the key players in this electrifying thriller.
The Amateur Cast
1: Rami Malek as Heller
Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time to Die) delivers what may be his most intense performance yet as Heller, a cerebral CIA codebreaker pushed to his limits. Known for his ability to portray brilliant but tormented characters, Malek is perfectly cast as a man who trades his computer for a gun when the system fails him. The role allows him to showcase both quiet intellect and raw physicality—a transformation from desk jockey to deadly operative.
Malek’s history with espionage thrillers (No Time to Die) and psychological dramas (Mr. Robot) makes him ideal to navigate Heller’s moral descent. Expect a performance that’s equal parts calculating and chaotic, as his character’s quest for vengeance threatens to consume him.
2: Rachel Brosnahan as Sarah
Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dead for a Dollar) stars as Sarah, Heller’s wife whose tragic death sets the story in motion. Though her screen time may be limited, Brosnahan’s presence will loom large over the narrative, humanizing Heller’s rage. Her chemistry with Malek in flashbacks will make the loss—and subsequent rampage—feel deeply personal.
Brosnahan’s dramatic range, showcased in films like I’m Your Woman, ensures Sarah is more than just a plot device. Her performance will anchor the emotional core of this otherwise relentless thriller.
3: Jon Bernthal as The Bear
Jon Bernthal (The Punisher, The Bear) brings his signature physicality to The Bear, a grizzled CIA field operative who becomes Heller’s reluctant ally—or adversary. Bernthal excels at playing hardened men with ambiguous loyalties, and this role seems tailor-made for his growling intensity. Whether mentoring Heller or trying to stop him, The Bear will be a force to reckon with.
Fresh off his Emmy-nominated turn in The Bear, Bernthal continues his streak of unforgettable supporting roles. His scenes with Malek promise explosive confrontations, blending tactical expertise with moral conflict.
4: Evan Milton as Slater
Evan Milton (The Crown, Slow Horses) steps into the role of Slater, likely a fellow CIA analyst caught in Heller’s crossfire. Milton’s background in political dramas suggests Slater may represent the institutional pushback against Heller’s rogue mission—a voice of reason in a spiraling crisis.
His understated acting style will provide a compelling contrast to Malek’s frenetic energy, possibly serving as the film’s ethical compass.
5: Nick Mills as Finn
Nick Mills (The Last Kingdom, The Liberator) plays Finn, another key figure in the CIA hierarchy. Mills’ history with military roles hints that Finn may be a field agent tasked with containing Heller’s rampage. His presence could escalate the film’s action sequences into full-blown tactical showdowns.
With his commanding presence, Mills is well-suited to embody the agency’s muscle—whether as an antagonist or unexpected ally.
6: Tiffany Gray as Esther
Tiffany Gray (Industry, The Nevers) appears as Esther, potentially a tech specialist or informant aiding Heller’s crusade. Gray’s knack for playing sharp, resourceful women suggests Esther will be more than a sidekick—possibly holding crucial keys to the conspiracy.
Her character could bridge Heller’s analytical past and violent present, providing both intel and moral dilemmas.
7: Adrian Martinez as Carlos
Adrian Martinez (Focus, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) brings his everyman charm to Carlos, likely a civilian drawn into Heller’s orbit. Martinez’s comedic background hints at much-needed levity, though the role may take darker turns as the stakes rise.
Whether as comic relief or collateral damage, Carlos will ground the story in real-world consequences.
8: Holt McCallany as Director Moore
Holt McCallany (Mindhunter, The Iron Claw) commands the screen as Director Moore, the CIA higher-up who embodies the bureaucracy Heller rebels against. McCallany’s gravitas makes him perfect for a role that’s equal parts authoritative and morally compromised.
His confrontations with Malek will crackle with tension, pitting institutional power against one man’s wrath.
News Team Ensemble
- Kate Sumpter (House of Cards) as the Channel 6 Anchor
- David Mills (The Post) as the NBNC Anchor
- Anita Anand (BBC News) as the CNC Anchor
These media figures will likely frame the global fallout of Heller’s actions, adding a layer of geopolitical realism to the personal vendetta.
Why This Is a Must-See
With its A-list cast, propulsive premise, and top-tier director, The Amateur could be 2025’s answer to Taken meets The Bourne Identity. Malek’s transformation from analyst to assassin—guided by Bernthal and opposed by McCallany—promises white-knuckle action with psychological depth.
Mark your calendars for April 11, 2025—this is one thriller that demands to be seen on the big screen.
