Rami Malek takes on double duty in Amateur, a new spy thriller where he not only stars as CIA analyst Charlie Heller, but also makes his debut as a producer. The film follows Heller as he sets out on a rogue mission to avenge his wife's death — with methods that challenge the genre’s usual conventions.
Malek’s desire to produce stems from a creative letdown: a powerful monologue he filmed for The Master was cut in the final version. "That disappointment gave me the idea of becoming a producer," he says, "so I could have a voice in those decisions."
Now, after major roles in Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody, Oppenheimer, and No Time to Die, Malek had the clout to make that vision real — with backing from Disney and 20th Century.
One moment in Amateur trailer stands out: Heller flinches while walking away from an explosion. It’s a conscious break from the stoic action hero cliché — and a direct nod to The Dark Knight.
"If someone like the Joker is going to flinch, the authenticity that it gave to that moment lasted with me," Malek says.
Known for playing cerebral characters like Elliot in Mr. Robot, Malek is open to change. "Guillermo del Toro once told me that I exude a certain type of brilliance on camera," he shares. "But it doesn’t mean that I can’t [be the guy with a gun]."
Malek also pushed for subtle realism in his character — like Charlie’s glasses being treated as essential survival tools. "If he loses his glasses, he’s essentially screwed," he jokes.
And what about Mr. Robot — could Elliot return?
"We’d have to talk to Sam [Esmail]," Malek says. "I was incredibly sad to see that character and series end... But I think we went out on a high note."
