James Bond

The Assassin is a fast-paced thriller interwoven with family drama

Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express.

The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job.

However, there’s a significant hitch: Julie’s estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she’s a simple head hunter.

What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect.

This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC’s tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes’ last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV’s heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu.

Get Prime Video free for 30 days

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£8.99

£0

Amazon

Get Prime Video here

TV lovers can get 30 days’ free access to tantalising TV like The Boys, Reacher and Clarkson’s Farm by signing up to Amazon Prime. Just remember to cancel at the end and you won’t be charged.

However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly.

The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing.

Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits.

The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show.

Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease.

The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel.

Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist’s Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake.

However, this isn’t your typical thriller – there’s a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline.

The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers’ razor-sharp writing skills.

From Julie being dubbed a “menopausal James Bond” to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father “isn’t Mamma Mia”, The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives.

Sometimes you’ll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly.

The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin – this is a genuine winner.

Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.

The Assassin is available to stream on Prime Video now

Karen Pirie is back and she’s set for a whirlwind – but off-screen, things were just as intense for series creator Emer Kenny, who couldn’t rely on her famous (and busy) husband.

Karen Pirie’s second season is packed with intense drama and explosive bombshells – but things were just as intense behind the scenes. Series creator Emer Kenny juggled triple duties as writer, executive producer and cast member as Karen’s best friend River… while also being a new mum.

“Filming was hectic,” she says, “My baby was 12 weeks old when I started writing the season and he was 18 months old when we were shooting. He came to Glasgow with me for three months.”

Emer had a secret weapon, but it wasn’t her husband, presenter Rick Edwards. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mum,” she says. “My husband was away working in Germany at the Euros because he’s a presenter, so I had my mum with me at all times.”

Kylie Minogue helped too, making a daunting experience a delight: “Kylie has her own brand of rose that we drank the whole way through. It was absolutely crazy but I never feel more alive than when we’re making stuff. It just feels thrilling.”

Lauren Lyle returns to the ITV crime drama as the sharp, scrappy Scottish detective in the second season of Karen Pirie, and DI Karen’s ready to ruffle a few feathers.

Freshly promoted – albeit reluctantly – she’s still got everything to prove. “She’s determined to prove herself,” Lauren says. “Even though she’s been promoted, she’s still doubted.

It’s a reluctant promotion. Where her boss says, ‘You’re difficult but you’re great so you deserve it.’ That’s what drives her. There’s a general frustration with men being in her way and having to listen to them.”

READ MORE: ‘Biggest ever’ teeth whitening sale beats Amazon Prime Day with 50% off

The TV adaptation of Val McDermid’s best-selling novel series was a hit during its first season. So it’s no surprise that Emer also felt the pressure.

“It was a little daunting,” she says, “Season one was my first time writing a show. Coming back, you really hope you can match the energy and bring another good story. So I was a little daunted but the book has a really exciting story.”

Based on A Darker Domain, the second novel in the Karen Pirie series, the new season dives into a case that’s haunted the nation for decades: the 1984 disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son, Adam.

“She’s kidnapped at gunpoint, and then a ransom note arrives at her family home with a polaroid of her, and she is never seen again,” teases Emer. “There’s never a handover. No other ransom note was received.” Until now.

When a body is found in a remote quarry, it blows the case wide open. But it’s not Catriona. “It’s a man,” says Emer, “But her car key is in his pocket.”

As the investigation unfolds, so do the secrets – including Catriona’s steamy, hidden affair with Mick, played by The Last Kingdom’s Mark Rowley.

“Julia (Brown) and Mark were amazing together,” Emer says, “When I got their auditions in, I knew it would work. It was really important that their love story felt romantic and real.”

But Catriona isn’t the only one getting her heart tangled this season. Karen’s own love life heats up with DS Phil Parhatka, played by Zach Wyatt, but she’s keeping it strictly under wraps.

“Karen’s under the impression a woman can only have one of the other – a career or a home life,” Lauren says. “Phil’s a good, smart man who’s willing to support her, but Karen thinks she has to choose her career to keep getting ahead. Her career gives her a sense of worth, but it can damage her love life.”

But the cold case earns her more attention and Karen struggles to keep the balance. “No one at work knows they’re together and she wants to keep it that way,” Emer says. “But there’s a whole new level of public interest. This is an even bigger case than the first one so she has a lot of eyes on her.”

If the stakes are higher, the humour’s sharper too – something inspired by Miss Congeniality. “Lauren and I always talk about Sandra Bullock’s character in that film as a big touchstone. We love her humour and her no-nonsense personality,” Emer says.

Other icons helped shape Karen’s DNA: Helen Mirren’s steely Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect, Kate Winslet’s bruised brilliance in Mare of Easttown and Toni Collette’s grit in Unbelievable.

Season two took the cast from gritty Glasgow streets to the sun-drenched chaos of Malta. “We had to move the shoot to September because it was too hot in Malta to shoot,” Emer remembers.

“We had tons of running scenes through the streets of Malta in 40 degree heat. But I think they loved it. I think they loved having their inner James Bond moments.”

Audiences clearly love it too and with eight novels in the series (and counting), there’s no shortage of source material. “There is potential for another season and ITV are really supportive,” Emer says. “It just depends on whether the audience wants more.” But for now, Karen is here to stay – and she’s fiercer than ever.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

A huge British actor, who starred in Masters of the Air, is a fan-favourite option to take on the role of James Bond in the upcoming instalment

A huge British star with a pop singer girlfriend is in the lead to take on the role of James Bond for the next instalment of the 007 franchise. There have been many rumours on who could be taking on the coveted role, including Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson.

It is now being said Hammersmith-born star Callum Turner could also be in running for the role. In new odds from Heart Bingo, the Masters of the Air star, who is engaged with Dua Lipa, is being lined up as the next 007. Sarah Caskie, Head of Brand for online website Heart Bingo, said: “The masses have spoken on X and we’ve collated the data to find that Callum Turner is the people’s choice to replace Daniel Craig, with 63% of posts concerning his potential role in the next film being positive, while 0% were negative.”

READ MORE: Save almost £40 on a family day out to Chessington World of Adventures this summer holiday

She added: “Henry Cavill’s 34% positivity put him second in the eyes of the public, but 3% didn’t seem too keen on him being the next Bond.”

Callum is best known for his role as Theseus Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Frank Churchill in Emma.

He also starred in The Boys in the Boat, and TV shows Masters of the Air and The Capture.

Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios just over three years ago, which included the James Bond franchise. Fans of the movie haven’t seen a new James Bond film since 2021, when No Time to Die was released as the final movie with Daniel Craig playing the lead role.

Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has signed up to direct the movie. He is best known for directing the Dune movies.

Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

Upon taking the role, Denis emphasised that he is a huge fan of the franchise and that it is a ‘huge honour’ to take on the role of director.

He said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.

“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”

He continued: “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Amanda Holden is a vision in on-sale Karen Millen dress that plays into Wimbledon whites trend

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, the 26th official entry in the historic franchise. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the project, as had been previously announced. The pair came onto the film after the series’ longtime producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, made a deal to give up creative control to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year.

In a statement, Villeneuve, a four-time Academy Award nominee, said, “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen.”

Also in a statement, Pascal and Heyman commented, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”

Villeneuve’s last film, “Dune: Part Two,” earned more than $700 million worldwide. He is preparing to begin shooting the third “Dune” movie this summer with a scheduled release date of Dec. 16, 2026.

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas in “No Time to Die,” which marked Craig’s final film in the James Bond franchise.

(Nicola Dove / MGM)

The prior film in the Bond franchise, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” finished off Daniel Craig’s five-film run in the role, which began with 2006’s “Casino Royale.”

A screenwriter hasn’t yet been named and no announcement has been made as to who will take over playing the famed British secret agent.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From ‘Blade Runner 2049’ to ‘Arrival’ to the ‘Dune’ films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and — most importantly — the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”