Forget sun-drenched vacation vibes. Stan’s upcoming series, The Assassin, starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, is trading cocktails for, well, likely, carnage, if the newly released images are anything to go by. Hawes, fresh off Scoop and Miss Austen, plays Julie, a retired assassin whose peaceful Greek island life gets a rude awakening. Highmore, known for his roles in The Good Doctor and Bates Motel, portrays Edward, her estranged son, who apparently has some serious daddy issues to work through, on top of being in danger.
The images released don’t give too much away, but the setup itself is intriguing. A mother-son duo, forced to partner up when mom’s violent past comes knocking, with the added mystery surrounding Edward’s paternity. It’s a recipe for family drama, and also lots of action. The pair find themselves on the run and let’s face it no one wants to be on the run.
The supporting cast is solid, including Gina Gershon, Shalom Brune-Franklin, and Jack Davenport. It’s the kind of ensemble that suggests a certain level of quality.
Harry and Jack Williams, the writing duo responsible for The Tourist and The Missing, are the driving force. Hawes, in a statement, describes the experience as “an absolute joy,” and Highmore chimes in with similar enthusiasm, praising the “brilliant cast and crew” and the Williams’ “thrilling writing.” The usual promotional talk, sure, but given the talent involved, it’s somewhat believable. At the very least, they seem to have enjoyed their Greek summer.
The Assassin is a Two Brothers Pictures production for Prime Video, in association with All3Media International, ZDF, and Stan. Executive producers include Harry and Jack Williams, Krissie Ducker, Hamish Wright, Sarah Hammond, Daisy Mount, and Alex Mercer, along with Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore. Nige Watson is the producer, with Lisa Mulcahy and Daniel Nettheim directing.
