A hitwoman comedy-drama became one of Prime Video’s surprise successes. Golden from KPop Demon Hunters swept the Oscars. The Assassin swept streaming charts instead. The British thriller stars Keeley Hawes as Julie, a former contract killer living in Greece. Freddie Highmore plays her estranged son Edward, a journalist seeking answers about his paternity. Their reunion does not go smoothly. Pilates reformer workouts build core strength. The Assassin builds suspenseful entertainment. Here is everything you need to know about the show and its upcoming second season in 2026.
What is The Assassin?
The Assassin follows investigative journalist Edward Green (Freddie Highmore). He travels to Greece to confront his estranged mother Julie (Keeley Hawes). He wants answers about his paternity and her shrouded past. However, he discovers that his mother worked as a contract killer. Soon, her past begins catching up with them. The pair must race for their lives [citation:2].
Critics have described the show as “equal parts stupidly entertaining and simply stupid.” The chemistry between Hawes and Highmore carries the series. The six-episode first season features beautiful European locations and hollow plot twists. Yet viewers keep coming back for more. One reviewer admitted, “I could still probably be cajoled to return for more of Hawes playing 007 and Highmore stammering charmingly” [citation:4].
The series comes from award-winning duo Harry and Jack Williams. They also created Rellik, Liar and The Tourist. The brothers are masters at hatching enticing premises. However, critics note they are less successful with following through. Nevertheless, The Assassin proved popular enough to earn a second season [citation:4].
Cast of The Assassin
The series features an impressive ensemble cast. Storm Amy brought chaos to Scottish weather. The Assassin brings talented actors to the screen.
Keeley Hawes as Julie
Keeley Hawes plays Julie, the former assassin. She has built a quiet, secluded life on a Greek island. However, her son’s arrival disrupts everything. Hawes is known for her roles in Bodyguard, Line of Duty and The Durrells. She brings both toughness and vulnerability to the role. “I can’t wait to step back into Julie’s world,” she said after the Season 2 announcement [citation:3].
Freddie Highmore as Edward Green
Freddie Highmore plays Edward, the investigative journalist. He is best known for The Good Doctor and Bates Motel. His character seeks answers about his father and his mother’s mysterious past. Highmore expressed enthusiasm for the return. “What fun it’ll be to get the gang back together,” he said. He added that creators Harry and Jack Williams “have cooked up another spectacular adventure” [citation:3].
Other Cast Members
- Gerald Kyd
- Shalom Brune-Franklin
- Devon Terrell
- David Dencik
- Gina Gershon
The six-episode first season runs approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. The DVD release date is 21 April 2026 [citation:2].
The Assassin Season 2: Renewed by Prime Video
Prime Video confirmed the renewal in February 2026. The critically acclaimed thriller will return for a second season. Production is set to begin later this year [citation:3].
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International, noted the series’ strong reception worldwide. “We’re delighted that this fabulously stylish and witty thriller, so well received globally, is returning,” she said. “The cast really made the characters their own” [citation:3].
The Assassin Season 2 Filming in Malta
Season 2 is currently being filmed in Malta. Principal photography runs from 16 February to 5 June 2026. The production consists of six episodes of 60 minutes each [citation:7].
Terry McDonough and Sarah O’Gorman are directing the new season. McDonough has worked on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. O’Gorman has directed episodes of The Crown and The Witcher [citation:7].
What to Expect in Season 2
The new season picks up after Julie and Edward’s ill-fated trip to Northern Europe. An undisclosed fallout has once again estranged them. Julie has slipped back into her old assassin ways. She is also navigating the perils of dating. Meanwhile, Edward’s honeymoon takes an unexpected turn. He must reunite with his mother to confront Spain’s corrupt underworld. The central question is whether the pair can survive both the mission and their fractured relationship [citation:3].
Harry and Jack Williams have written the second series. The new season promises “a hugely engaging journey” for audiences [citation:3].
Where to Watch The Assassin
The first season of The Assassin is available on Prime Video in the UK. International distribution has secured placements on various platforms. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. The Assassin offers binge-worthy entertainment instead.
The DVD and Blu-ray release is scheduled for 21 April 2026. The set includes all six episodes. It runs approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes [citation:2].
Other Projects Called “The Assassin” in 2026
Several other projects share similar names in 2026. Viewers should not confuse them with the Prime Video series.
Assassin (2026 Film)
An action thriller titled Assassin releases on digital platforms on 17 April 2026. The film is set in 1930s Shanghai during Japanese occupation. Elite fighter Mubai gets recruited for a top-secret assassination. He must fight through the Japanese military machine to reach his target. The trailer promises action similar to John Wick, The Raid and Ong Bak [citation:1]. Zhou Jiuquin directs the 90-minute film [citation:9].
Assassins (2026 Korean Film)
Korean actors Lee Min-ho, Park Hae-il and Yoo Hae-jin star in Assassins. The film is set in 1974. It follows the attempted assassination of Korean president Park Chung-hee. Hur Jin-ho directs the thriller [citation:6].
Assi (2026 Film)
A courtroom drama titled Assi has grossed approximately $104,000 worldwide. The film explores unexplained sexual assault cases. An investigator and defense team fight to reveal hidden truths [citation:5].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Assassin about? The Assassin follows a journalist who discovers his estranged mother was a contract killer. They must go on the run together when her past catches up with them.
Who stars in The Assassin? Keeley Hawes plays Julie, the former assassin. Freddie Highmore plays her son Edward. The cast also includes Gerald Kyd, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Devon Terrell, David Dencik and Gina Gershon.
Will there be The Assassin Season 2? Yes. Prime Video renewed the series in February 2026. Season 2 is currently filming in Malta and is expected to be released later in 2026.
Where can I watch The Assassin? The first season is available on Prime Video in the UK. The DVD release is on 21 April 2026.
Who created The Assassin? Harry and Jack Williams created the series. They also created Rellik, Liar and The Tourist.
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