Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek has stepped into the role of producer for the upcoming film The Amateur, a transition he attributes to a pivotal moment that occurred during the making of Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master.
After dedicating considerable effort to craft a compelling monologue that was eventually cut from the film, Malek found himself reflecting on the importance of creative control in filmmaking. This disappointment kindled a desire to influence production decisions, setting him on a path toward producing. Since that moment, Malek has not only won an Emmy for his work on Mr. Robot and an Oscar for Bohemian Rhapsody, but he has also featured in significant projects like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and served as the antagonist in the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die.
With his impressive credentials, Malek seized the opportunity to produce The Amateur, a spy thriller helmed by director James Hawes. The screenplay, written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, follows CIA analyst Charlie Heller, portrayed by Malek, who embarks on a revenge mission after his wife’s (Rachel Brosnahan) death due to a terrorist attack—providing a fresh take on the genre.
“Getting my foot in the door as a producer alongside Hutch Parker and Dan Wilson, collaborating with such major studios as Disney and 20th Century, is truly remarkable. Just a few years back, I didn’t think such an opportunity would materialize,”Malek expressed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the film’s theatrical release on April 11.
The film’s trailer showcases a dramatic moment as Heller walks away from an explosion. Rather than adopting the typical stoic hero approach, Malek intentionally chose to flinch, a decision inspired by Heath Ledger’s iconic reaction in The Dark Knight. “If a character like The Joker can flinch, that authenticity resonates, and I wanted to bring that into my performance,”Malek noted.
During the filming, Malek and co-star Laurence Fishburne explored the types of personas typically cast for actors of their caliber. Fishburne often assumes mentor roles, like Morpheus in The Matrix or Furious Styles in Boyz n the Hood, while Malek frequently portrays highly intelligent characters, including Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot and nuclear physicist David L. Hill in Oppenheimer. Despite the intellectual nuances of The Amateur, Malek holds aspirations of tackling a more traditional action hero role in the future.
Malek recalls Guillermo del Toro’s remarks regarding his on-screen brilliance and acknowledges this persona, but remains open to the idea of confronting the challenge of embodying a more conventional action hero. “It would be refreshing, and I’d welcome that challenge,”he said.
Throughout 2015 to 2019, Mr. Robot gained acclaim for its uncanny ability to forecast real-world events while intricately intertwining fiction with reality. Malek’s character, Elliot, represented a struggle against the elites and systemic corruption—issues that resonate even more today. He is currently contemplating the possibility of a fifth season or a feature film continuation of the celebrated series.
“We’d need to discuss it with Sam [Esmail]; we recently caught up in London. The end of Mr. Robot left me with a heavy heart, and while some viewers felt the conclusion was too soon, I believe we exited on a high note,”Malek shared.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Malek elaborated on his dynamic role as both lead actor and producer in The Amateur, even taking part in casting discussions.
You weren’t just the lead actor and producer on this project; you also acted as an unofficial casting director.
“While I certainly won’t claim all the credit, I made some key calls to bring in cast members like Rachel Brosnahan and Caitriona Balfe. Our dedicated casting director, Martin Ware, deserves immense recognition for his efforts,”Malek clarified.
Reflecting on his collaborations, Malek noted his enduring friendship with director Tim Van Patten, emphasizing the importance of creatively surrounding oneself with inspiring talent. He fondly recalled meeting Jon Bernthal during their time on The Pacific, remarking on his impressive abilities and the cast’s exceptional camaraderie, which significantly influenced the film’s execution.
John Wilson/20th Century Studios
Delving into his character, Malek reflects, “Charlie is consistently underestimated, and he learns to utilize his cunning to navigate challenges. I often thrive in situations where I feel underestimated as well.”
He added, “My journey in the film industry has been about evolving my understanding of storytelling and filmmaking. The experiences I gained during Mr. Robot were invaluable. I realized I might not typically be seen as a multifaceted contributor to a film project, but breaking boundaries is essential for me.”
Addressing the initial inspiration behind his portrayal of Charlie’s response to an explosion, Malek remarked, “The Joker’s flinch resonated with me long after our previous discussion. It sparked conversations about how actors engage with dramatic moments—a unique challenge to navigate in the midst of chaos.”
“Our aim with this character was to explore the intricacies of grief. Together with James Hawes, we crafted a narrative that thrusts Charlie into morally complex situations, showcasing a mix of genius and vulnerability.”
John Wilson/20th Century Studios
As for tackling a more action-oriented role, Malek is enthusiastic about exploring this avenue in the future. “Even though Fishburne often takes on mentor roles and I’ve been dubbed a cerebral actor, I remain open to playing diverse characters, including those who are more action-driven.”
Malek emphasized the need for authenticity in his performances, stating, “When it comes to character portrayals, little details matter; they add depth to who these characters are and enhance their journeys.” For instance, in The Amateur, Charlie’s reliance on glasses symbolizes his unique challenges.
USA Network/Photofest
With the ongoing need for impactful narratives in today’s world, Malek is always reflecting on the returns of his acclaimed role as Elliot Alderson. “While it may be too soon to talk about a new season or movie, the bonds formed during Mr. Robot will always remain dear to me.”
“Though Charlie and Elliot are distinct characters, I hold deep affection for both. My experiences with Mr. Robot redefined screen storytelling, and I hope The Amateur contributes meaningfully to that trend,”he concluded.
The Amateur is set to release in theaters nationwide on April 11.