Jon Bernthal’s Latest Action Film Features a Surprising Link to The Bear

Note: This article contains minor spoilers related to The Amateur.

The Amateur: A High-Stakes Spy Thriller Starring Jon Bernthal

In the latest addition to the spy thriller genre, The Amateur, Jon Bernthal steps into a compelling role that intriguingly parallels his previous character from The Bear. Released on April 11, 2025, the film centers around Charlie, a CIA cryptographer whose world is shattered by the tragic loss of his wife, Sarah, due to a terrorist attack. Fueled by grief and a quest for vengeance, Charlie resorts to blackmailing his superiors to gain the necessary resources to personally pursue his wife’s killers, stepping far beyond his limited field training.

A Talented Ensemble Cast

The Amateur distinguishes itself not only with its gripping storyline but also through its impressive lineup. Rami Malek plays the lead role of Charlie, supported by a stellar cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Caitríona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal. Despite its recent release, the film has garnered favorable reception on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a 62% score from critics and an impressive 88% from audiences. Reviewers largely attribute these positive ratings to the powerful performances of the cast, who maintain a serious tone even amidst some exaggerated action scenes.

Jon Bernthal as “The Bear”in The Amateur

Adding a layer of irony to his role, Bernthal portrays a character known as “the Bear.”This CIA field agent initially supports Charlie but later attempts to dissuade him from his path of violence. The connection between this moniker and Bernthal’s earlier performance as Michael Berzatto in The Bear is intriguing; Michael frequently refers to the lead character as “Bear,”creating an unintended yet captivating link between the two roles.

Comparative Analysis of Bernthal’s Bear Characters

Interestingly, both of Bernthal’s characters share similarities. While they may not dominate the screen time, the moments they do appear are impactful and resonate with the audience. Just as Michael’s presence evokes emotional depth and intensity in The Bear, the Bear in The Amateur similarly adds emotional weight, showing genuine concern for Charlie despite the unfolding chaos. Bernthal’s ability to enrich narratives with his performances, especially with bear-themed connections, is noteworthy.

A Coincidental Connection: Director’s Insights

The portrayal of a character named the Bear was not an intentional nod to Bernthal’s previous role, as clarified by director James Hawes. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, he noted, “The character was called ‘the Bear’ long before Jon Bernthal came into the picture.”Whether or not this played a role in casting remains a question, but as of now, Bernthal has not commented on the coincidence.

Upcoming Projects Featuring Jon Bernthal

For further insights on The Amateur and the curious connection with Jon Bernthal’s character, click here.