Rami Malek brings heart to espionage in 'The Amateur' world premiere in NYC

The world premiere of 'The Amateur,' a gripping new spy thriller starring Oscar-winner Rami Malek, lit up Lincoln Center in New York City. The film channels the spirit of classic espionage dramas—but this time, it's grounded in emotion, loss, and depth. Malek isn’t just the lead—he also served as a producer, making sure the story packs more heart than your typical action flick. ¡HOLA! had the chance to catch up with Malek at the premiere, where he shared his excitement about this bold new chapter in his career.

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A Story About Grief, Love, and Inner Strength

What sets 'The Amateur' apart from other thrillers is how much heart it has. The story follows a man dealing with the death of someone he loves—something you don’t usually see explored deeply in action movies. Malek said showing that emotional journey was a big priority. “He goes through all the stages of grief,” he said. “That’s what makes it feel real and relatable.”

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Instead of playing an invincible hero, Malek’s character is vulnerable. His pain pushes him forward and fuels his mission. He wanted audiences to see that even in a high-stakes world, love and loss still drive people.

Producing with a Mission

Malek didn’t just step in front of the camera for 'The Amateur'—he got involved behind the scenes too. Taking on the role of producer gave him the chance to shape the film’s emotional core. He wanted it to feel grounded and honest. “I wanted it to feel real and full of heart,” he said.

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For Malek, it wasn’t enough to make another standard action movie with a tough-but-empty lead. He was aiming for something more human, more relatable. “It’s a different kind of action movie,” he explained. “It’s about someone in a wild situation who feels totally real and unexpected.”

Big World, Personal Story

Director James Hawes and Malek built a movie that’s both global and intimate. The action spans cities like London, DC, Paris, Marseille, and Istanbul. “We shut down bridges and train stations—it’s that kind of movie,” Malek said.

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But despite the big set pieces, the focus stays on a character people can relate to. “People are calling him a geek or nerd,” Malek said, “but really, he’s just someone who’s overlooked—and uses his smarts and drive to become a total badass.”

A Strong Cast, A Clear Message

Laurence Fishburne, who plays Malek’s mentor in the film, pointed out how unique the story is. “He’s not a spy or a superhero,” Fishburne said. “He’s a smart guy using his brain and a bit of training to go after justice for his wife’s murder.”

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Hawes added that grief was key to the story’s emotional tone. Inspired by thrillers like Three Days of the Condor, the movie brings that same sense of paranoia but adds deeper emotional layers. “The grief changes the way he acts, even how he carries out the killings,” Hawes said.

A Hero for the Underdogs

For Malek, this movie is for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked. “I’m excited for people who feel unseen to watch this,” he said. “This character proves that even if the world counts you out, you can still rise up.”

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With global locations, emotional weight, and a lead character unlike most in the genre, 'The Amateur' redefines what a spy movie can be. It’s not about being the toughest or the fastest—it’s about heart, resilience, and refusing to be forgotten.