How Daniel Craig Helped Shape Rami Malek’s Approach to His Unexpected Action Hero in ‘The Amateur’

Rami Malek is stepping into the world of action in his latest film, The Amateur, a high-stakes espionage thriller based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel. Known for his diverse range of roles, including his portrayal of the enigmatic antagonist Lyutsifer Safin in No Time to Die, Malek is now taking on the role of Charlie Heller, a CIA decoder with an extraordinary intellect and a drive for vengeance.

As he prepares for his debut as an unlikely action hero, Malek shared his reflections on the challenges of the role and the inspiration he drew from Daniel Craig, who famously portrayed James Bond in the 007 franchise. Speaking at the London premiere of The Amateur, Malek admitted that watching Craig’s portrayal of Bond had a profound impact on his approach to the character.

Drawing Inspiration from Daniel Craig

“I was watching Daniel Craig. I said, ‘How do I get to do that?’” Malek recalled. “I have to do it in my own way, and I’ll have to do it in an unexpected manner.” Craig’s portrayal of Bond, especially in the more gritty and vulnerable iterations in Casino Royale and Skyfall, left a lasting impression on Malek. However, Malek is determined to make Charlie Heller distinct by infusing his character with a unique unpredictability. “I like doing unexpected, unpredictable characters, playing them and creating them,” Malek continued. “And here’s a story with one at the heart and center of it. He has a unique circumstance he’s been thrust into, and no one thinks he’s capable of what he ultimately achieves. That’s something that is extremely relatable to all of us.”

Charlie’s journey in The Amateur begins with tragedy, when his wife Sarah (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is kidnapped and killed during a business trip in London. Stricken by grief and anger, Charlie takes matters into his own hands when his CIA superiors refuse to pursue justice. He blackmails his bosses to receive mission-specific training, setting off on a dangerous global manhunt to exact revenge.

Relatability and Timeliness of the Story

Malek believes that the themes of The Amateur remain remarkably relevant, even four decades after the original film’s release. “It was a Cold War film, and I think there are elements of that period that still exist today,” he said. “So I think it’s a very relevant story.” He added that underdog stories—like Charlie’s fight against a system that dismisses him—continue to resonate with modern audiences. “Anyone who speaks truth to power the way Charlie does, it’s important to have that thrown onto the big screen every so often.”

As both the lead actor and producer of the film, Malek’s involvement in The Amateur also allowed him to shape the narrative and ensure that its central themes were effectively conveyed. “Any underdog story is pertinent to our time,” he emphasized, suggesting that Charlie’s journey from a mere tech whiz to a man determined to take on a powerful system offers a compelling message of resilience and self-determination.

Supporting Cast and Twists in the Story

The Amateur also features a star-studded cast, with veteran actor Laurence Fishburne playing Henderson, who is tasked with getting Charlie field-ready for his mission. Fishburne’s character serves as both a mentor and an adversary, creating an interesting dynamic with Malek’s character. The two develop a mutual respect over the course of the film, which Fishburne promises will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “The audience can expect not to be able to figure this out. A lot of twists and turns,” Fishburne teased.

Directed by James Hawes, The Amateur also stars Caitriona Balfe, Holt McCallany, and Jon Bernthal, ensuring that the film is packed with action, suspense, and intrigue. With Malek’s unpredictable and emotional portrayal of Charlie, the film promises to be an exciting ride for thriller enthusiasts.

Global Theatrical Release

The Amateur is set to begin its global theatrical rollout on April 9, 2025, marking a major milestone in Malek’s career as he transitions from playing complex antagonists to leading a gripping action film. Fans can expect to see Malek take on an unexpected and multifaceted character, driven by love, loss, and a desire for justice—a compelling journey that combines action with deeply relatable themes.

As Malek navigates his way through The Amateur’s twists and turns, it’s clear that his approach to playing action heroes will be unique and far from conventional—just as he had hoped after watching Daniel Craig.