Rami Malek transitions into the action hero realm with his new role in The Amateur, where he plays Charlie Heller, a CIA decoder avenging his wife’s murder. While the character shares traits with Malek’s previous role in Mr. Robot, such as themes of alienation and grief, Heller is also portrayed as a family man, married to Rachel Brosnahan’s character. Malek, who also serves as executive producer, expresses a fascination with outcast characters and their extraordinary journeys. Brosnahan, who plays his deceased wife, highlights their collaborative spirit and hints at future projects. The Amateur premieres April 11.
Rami Malek has embraced a new persona: action hero.
Although this role marks a departure for the Oscar-winning actor, who typically opts for dramatic parts and has even portrayed a Bond villain, his character in The Amateur shares some traits with Elliot Alderson from Mr. Robot, the role that Malek inhabited for four seasons.
“I believe [it’s] that sense of alienation, enduring grief, and navigating all the stages of loss,” Malek remarked to The Hollywood Reporter while attending the premiere on Wednesday night. “In many ways, he’s quite different. He’s a family man with an exceptional wife, Rachel Brosnahan.”
Malek went on to elaborate on his fascination with characters who feel like outsiders.
“I am drawn to characters who experience alienation and may be viewed as outcasts or feel like misfits, overlooked and perhaps disenfranchised,” he shared. “I wanted to infuse the script and story with the idea of seeing them accomplish remarkable things.”
Directed by James Hawes, The Amateur — inspired by the book of the same name and a remake of the 1981 film — features Malek as Charlie Heller, a CIA decoder on a quest to avenge his wife’s murder. Malek also takes on the role of executive producer.
Brosnahan, who portrays his late wife, Sarah, discussed the collaborative efforts with Malek. “When he expressed his passion for this project and the importance of their relationship in his journey throughout the film, it became difficult to refuse,” she told THR. “Rami is an incredibly persuasive producer, which I truly value.”
The The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress hinted at their desire to collaborate further, mentioning that they are “in conversation, trying to determine what the right project is.”
The Amateur will be released in theaters on April 11.