The Assassin cast in full as Line of Duty and Riverdale stars join thriller
Prime Video's latest offering, 'The Assassin', is creating quite the buzz with its impressive ensemble cast. The drama delves into the complex dynamics between a mother and her son as they navigate their strained relationship amidst life-threatening challenges.
As Julie's history starts to resurface, threatening to expose her former life's secrets, she and her son must band together in a desperate bid for survival. Julie star Keeley Hawes opened up about her own parenting experiences ahead of the show.
The show's creators, Harry and Jack Williams, opened up about the core of Julie and Edward's (Freddie Highmore) fraught bond: "We wanted to get a sense early on that there was something unresolved in this relationship, something that needed fixing, and that's the story of this series."
They added: "They both come into it and are awkward with each other, and there's a history and coldness, and they haven't quite connected."
For those eager to know more about the cast, here's the lowdown.
Julie - Keeley Hawes
Taking on the role of Julie is Keeley Hawes, who viewers might recognise from her gripping performances in 'Line of Duty' as DI Lindsay Denton or as Home Secretary Julia Montague in the BBC hit 'Bodyguard'.
Off-screen, Hawes tied the knot with her 'Spooks' co-star Matthew Macfadyen in 2004, and the couple share two children. She also has another son from her previous marriage to DJ Spencer McCallum in 2001.
Edward - Freddie Highmore
Stepping into the shoes of Edward is Freddie Highmore, celebrated for his roles in 'Bates Motel', 'The Good Doctor', and 'Finding Neverland'.
In a personal revelation on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in September 2021, Highmore disclosed that he had recently wed, though he kept the identity of his wife under wraps.
He joyfully remarked: "I'm as happy as a Brit can be and I'm married to a very wonderful woman now, so yes I feel very happy."
Discussing his experience working with Hawes on their new project, he shared: "Keeley is brilliant and was one of the main reasons that I wanted to be part of this project."
He praised her talent, saying: "She is so talented and such a brilliant actor, whilst also being a lovely person with the best attitude."
He added: "We both have a similar sense of humour too, and hopefully that will translate into the series. We've certainly bonded and I can't imagine anyone better to try and nail that tone down with than her."
Marie - Gina Gershon
Gina Gershon boasts an impressive resume with roles in major films like P.S. I Love You and House of Versace, as well as TV appearances in Riverdale and New Amsterdam.
Her aspirations were always set on acting, although she initially started out in music and dance.
The celebrity was romantically linked with Belgian entrepreneur and ex-footballer Robert Dekeyser from 2015 until 2018.
Luka - Gerald Kyd
Portrayed by Gerald Kyd, who has a rich heritage being half-Greek and half-Scottish, he's recognised for his role as Sean Maddox in Casualty.
Kyd is also celebrated for his performances in Malory Towers, The Split, and The Defender.
Reflecting on his heritage and career, he stated: "I have a Greek background, my grandparents were from Greece, and in twenty-five years as an actor, I've only been asked to play a Greek part twice.
"So, it was very exciting to get this part, and to read the scripts, which are just incredible. They're fast-paced, exciting, thrilling, and funny as well. I was desperate to be part of it."
Kayla - Shalom Brune-Franklin
Kayla is portrayed by Shalom Brune-Franklin, a 30 year old British-Australian actress celebrated for her roles in Our Girl and The State.
Audiences might also recognise her as Aoife from the Australian series Doctor Doctor, or her appearance in The Tourist.
Ezra - Devon Terrell
Ezra is brought to life by Devon Terrell, who viewers may remember as Arthur from the Netflix original series Cursed.
Discussing his experience working with the ensemble cast on this new venture, he expressed: "Everything enticed me. The opportunity to work on such brilliant writing with such incredible actors, and to have a chance to work with Shalom.
"We were friends before, but I think she's an amazing actress, and I knew the character arcs were so developed that we could really play. Working on material like this is an actor's dream."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about complaints made against Jermaine Jenas
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was removed from the presenting team at BBC's Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace conduct. Before he was sacked in August, Jenas had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Jones, 48, who co-presented with Jenas on The One Show, told the Big Issue she did not know about the complaints until he had left. She said: 'I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas] I didn't know what was going on. 'I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave. 'The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right. 'If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well.' After being sacked from the BBC, Jenas apologised, saying he had done 'nothing illegal' and that 'inappropriate messages' sent were 'between two consenting adults'. Months later, Jenas' wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. In a statement on her Instagram story, Penfold said: 'I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. 'After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. 'We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.' Jenas returned to broadcasting on TalkSport radio in February after the outlet distanced itself from him in the wake of his departure from the BBC. It is not the first time Jones has had a co-presenter leave The One Show with Jason Manford, who joined the programme at the same time as her in August 2010, resigning only three months into the role for sharing sexual internet messages with female fans. Despite co-presenting on the show for a few months, Jones said she is still 'really good pals' with Manford. – The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
MasterChef begins casting for next series as BBC ploughs on after sacking of Gregg Wallace and John Torode
MasterChef has begun casting for its next series as the BBC ploughed on after the sacking of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The cooking show has been at the centre of scandal after Gregg was dismissed as a presenter after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. Australian-born chef John, 59, also lost his job after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of. But despite the chaos surrounding the show, MasterChef is forging ahead with a new series. Asking cooking hopefuls to apply, production company Banjay wrote: 'For over 20 years we have been putting Britain's best food talents through their paces. 'Cooking doesn't get tougher than this.' The website added: 'Whether you're an amateur cook looking to showcase your home-taught skills or a professional chef wanting to take your career to the next level you can apply for a UK MasterChef series below.' According to The Sun, Banjay said the decision to cast for a new series came 'after consultation with the contestants'. It comes after Gregg Wallace insisted that he is done with TV and the BBC before making a sensational claim that he was 'groped' during his time on MasterChef as he speaks out following his sacking from the show. The TV personality, 60, said in an interview, how he himself faced sexual harassment from a host of women 'on a regular basis' as he hit out at the broadcaster over their 'complaints procedure'. Speaking to The Sun, Gregg said: 'The whole complaints procedure needs to be readdressed - there are huge problems with it as things stand. Being on MasterChef was brilliant but I had so many bad experiences on that show too. 'Had I wanted to raise any complaints, I'd have had the decency to speak to that person directly. Privately, not publicly. My God, can you imagine the complaints I could have made? Have you got any idea of the sexual references made to me on a daily basis? 'How many times I've been touched by women wanting a selfie? How many times I've been groped? How many times suggestive comments have been made to me? How many female contestants have said inappropriate things on MasterChef?' Gregg added that the thought of complaining wouldn't even 'cross my mind', noting that he wasn't suggesting that groping was 'right', but it was 'happening to me on a regular basis.' The disgraced TV star went on to that he was often 'shouted at and bullied', claiming contestants had a perceived notion that presenters were 'god-like' and adding that he doesn't wish for anyone to be 'dragged through' what he has. MailOnline have contacted BBC representatives for comment. Meanwhile, Gregg, who has been reported to have been banned from working at the BBC, told how he washed his hands of both the TV industry and the BBC having been 'hurt' by recent events. He noted he didn't want 'anything to do with' telly or the broadcaster, before acknowledging that his TV career is now over. When asked if he will watch the upcoming series of MasterChef, he replied with a defiant 'No, no, no, no', stating that he's 'pleased' for the contestants on the show as it was never really about former co-star John Torode and himself. He added that he 'didn't care' who hosted the show next, insisting that MasterChef would be 'absolutely fine' without himself and John at the helm. Gregg's comments come after it was revealed that the BBC would air its amateur 2025 series of MasterChef. In the nine months since the hit BBC programme finished filming last Autumn there have been questions over whether it would ever be broadcast following allegations of inappropriate behaviour against presenters Gregg and John. Meanwhile, Gregg, who has been reported to have been banned from working at the BBC , told how he washed his hands of both the TV industry and the BBC having been 'hurt' by recent events Now the corporation has revealed that the amateur series of MasterChef filmed last year, before allegations against Gregg and John were upheld, will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6. The MailOnline understand that the BBC have told the MasterChef production company Banijay that the show should reduce Gregg and John's screen time to a minimum in light of the report's findings. A source said: 'The BBC have made it clear that it should limit the amount of airtime the presenters have in the editing of the new series, with a bigger focus on the contestants who are at the heart of the competition.' 'Neither Gregg nor John will appear in BBC iPlayer thumbnails and they will not be doing any promotional activity around the latest series.' 'All of the brilliant new contestants were consulted on whether the series should be broadcast, and no one objected.' 'Everyone involved is very keen to promote the hard work of the contestants and that will be our priority.'
Western Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about complaints made against Jermaine Jenas
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was removed from the presenting team at BBC's Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace conduct. Before he was sacked in August, Jenas had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Alex Jones attending the 2025 Bafta Television Awards with P&O Cruises at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Jones, 48, who co-presented with Jenas on The One Show, told the Big Issue she did not know about the complaints until he had left. She said: 'I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas] I didn't know what was going on. 'I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave. 'The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right. 'If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well.' Jermaine Jenas insists he has taken responsibility for the conduct which led to his dismissal (Nigel French/PA) After being sacked from the BBC, Jenas apologised, saying he had done 'nothing illegal' and that 'inappropriate messages' sent were 'between two consenting adults'. Months later, Jenas' wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. In a statement on her Instagram story, Penfold said: 'I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. 'After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. 'We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.' Alex Jones and Jason Manford stand outside Western House, London, after appearing on Chris Evans's Radio 2 breakfast show (Fiona Hanson/PA) Jenas returned to broadcasting on TalkSport radio in February after the outlet distanced itself from him in the wake of his departure from the BBC. It is not the first time Jones has had a co-presenter leave The One Show with Jason Manford, who joined the programme at the same time as her in August 2010, resigning only three months into the role for sharing sexual internet messages with female fans. Despite co-presenting on the show for a few months, Jones said she is still 'really good pals' with Manford. – The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.
