A gripping blend of high-stakes action and emotional drama, The Assassin follows Julie (Keeley Hawes), a retired killer forced back into the shadows when her violent past resurfaces—and collides with the life she’s tried to build. After reuniting with her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore), Julie’s carefully constructed peace shatters when a dark conspiracy targets them both. Now, with assassins closing in and trust in short supply, mother and son must rely on each other to survive, unraveling a web of betrayal that tests their fractured bond at every turn.

From explosive set pieces to intimate character moments, The Assassin delivers relentless tension alongside a poignant exploration of redemption and family. As Julie’s lethal skills clash with Edward’s moral compass, their desperate journey becomes as much about confronting their shared past as it is about escaping bullets. With a stellar cast and sleek, atmospheric direction, this Prime Video thriller promises white-knuckle action with a deeply human core—think The Professional meets Killing Eve, with a mother-son twist.

“The Assassin” – Premieres July 25, 2025 on Prime Video.

Full Cast of The Assassin

1: Keeley Hawes as Julie

Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty) commands the screen as Julie, a former assassin whose retirement is shattered when her past comes calling. Hawes brings a mesmerizing mix of steely resolve and vulnerability to the role, portraying a woman who’s as deadly with a sniper rifle as she is emotionally guarded. Julie’s reunion with her estranged son forces her to confront the life she abandoned—and the collateral damage she left behind.

Hawes’ performance is a masterclass in controlled intensity, balancing Julie’s ruthless efficiency as a killer with her growing desperation to protect Edward. Whether she’s dispatching enemies with chilling precision or breaking down in a rare moment of weakness, Hawes ensures Julie is more than just an action hero—she’s a flawed, fascinating woman fighting for a second chance.

2: Freddie Highmore as Edward

Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor, Bates Motel) delivers a career-best performance as Edward, Julie’s estranged son, who’s spent years believing his mother abandoned him—only to learn the terrifying truth. Highmore captures Edward’s shock, anger, and reluctant awe as he’s thrust into Julie’s world of violence and deception. His moral conflict—appalled by his mother’s past but forced to rely on her skills—fuels the series’ emotional core.

Highmore’s chemistry with Hawes is electric, their scenes oscillating between raw confrontation and fragile connection. As Edward evolves from a sheltered academic to a survivor matching wits with killers, Highmore makes his transformation utterly compelling.

3: David Dencik as Jasper

David Dencik (No Time to Die, Top of the Lake) exudes quiet menace as Jasper, the shadowy fixer hunting Julie and Edward. A bureaucrat of brutality, Jasper doesn’t get his hands dirty—he just ensures the job gets done, with a smile that never reaches his eyes. Dencik’s unnerving calm makes him a villain who lingers in your nightmares.

His cat-and-mouse game with Julie is a highlight, as Jasper’s obsession with tying up loose edges reveals his own twisted code of honor. Dencik ensures Jasper is no cartoonish foe, but a chillingly plausible threat.

4: Shalom Brune-Franklin as Kayla

Shalom Brune-Franklin (The Tourist, Line of Duty) shines as Kayla, a tenacious journalist who stumbles into the conspiracy and becomes an unlikely ally. Brune-Franklin brings wit and grit to the role, portraying a woman whose curiosity is both her greatest strength and deadliest liability.

Her dynamic with Edward adds a spark of romance and humor, but it’s her dogged pursuit of the truth that makes her indispensable. Brune-Franklin ensures Kayla is more than a sidekick—she’s a force in her own right.

5: Devon Terrell as Ezra

Devon Terrell (The Eddy, Cursed) plays Ezra, Julie’s former protégé-turned-wildcard. Terrell brings magnetic charisma to the role, embodying a man torn between loyalty to Julie and self-preservation. His unpredictable allegiances keep both Julie and the audience guessing.

Terrell’s physicality and emotional range make Ezra a standout—whether he’s fighting alongside Julie or locking horns with her, his presence crackles with danger and pathos.

6: Gerald Kyd as Luka

Gerald Kyd (Resident Evil, Strike Back) is terrifying as Luka, a relentless enforcer sent to eliminate Julie. A hulking, near-silent predator, Luka is less a man than a force of nature. Kyd’s physical performance—all coiled tension and brutal efficiency—makes him the series’ most visceral threat.

His showdowns with Julie are pulse-pounding, their history adding a personal edge to their lethal dance.

7: Gina Gershon as Marie

Gina Gershon (Bound, Killer Joe) steals scenes as Marie, Julie’s old contact in the underworld. Equal parts ally and opportunist, Marie’s smoky-voiced charm masks a razor-sharp survival instinct. Gershon’s chemistry with Hawes crackles with decades of unspoken history.

Her role as a reluctant informant provides both dark humor and crucial intel, making her a fan favorite.

8: Ibraim Cândido as Afonso

Ibraim Cândido (Fast X, The Witcher) brings gravitas to Afonso, a retired intelligence officer with secrets of his own. Cândido’s quiet authority makes Afonso a compelling wildcard—is he Julie’s last hope or another player in the game?

His scenes with Hawes are charged with mutual respect and unspoken regret, hinting at a deeper backstory.

9: Aurora Marion as Housekeeper

Aurora Marion (The Last Kingdom, The Sandman) is enigmatic as the Housekeeper, a seemingly minor character whose true role in the conspiracy unfolds with chilling precision. Marion’s ability to shift from unassuming to unnerving is masterful.

Her late-season reveal is one of the series’ most jaw-dropping twists.

10: Kevin Kiernan-Molloy as Michael

Kevin Kiernan-Molloy (The Northman, Vikings: Valhalla) plays Michael, Edward’s best friend, whose ordinary life is upended when Julie’s world crashes into theirs. Kiernan-Molloy brings heart and humor to the role, making his character’s fate all the more devastating.

His presence grounds the early episodes in relatable normalcy before the chaos erupts.

11: Elie Haddad as Jacques

Elie Haddad (Homeland, The Old Guard) appears as Jacques, a Parisian informant with his own agenda. Haddad’s world-weary charm adds texture to the underworld Julie navigates.

His brief but memorable role is a testament to the series’ rich supporting cast.

12: Soroush Helali as Chris

Soroush Helali (Tehran, The Covenant) rounds out the cast as Chris, a tech whiz dragged into the conspiracy. Helali’s nervous energy provides levity before the stakes skyrocket.

His arc from reluctant helper to crucial player is unexpectedly moving.

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Final Teaser

With its killer cast, breakneck pacing, and emotional depth, The Assassin is 2025’s must-see thriller. Don’t miss the premiere July 25, 2025, only on Prime Video—where every shot fired and secret revealed brings mother and son closer to the truth… or their doom.