Director James Hawes Reveals the Real Spies Behind The Amateur — And Hints at a Sequel
Table Of Content
With The Amateur now on digital, audiences are discovering it’s not just another spy thriller—it’s an emotional, character-driven story that cuts deeper than car chases and covert ops. We sat down with director James Hawes to reflect on the film’s impact, the inspirations behind it, and the growing fan demand for a sequel.
A Title That Means More Than It Seems
When asked about the meaning behind the title The Amateur, Hawes acknowledged that while it might initially suggest something casual or untrained, it gains new weight once the story unfolds.
“The title has a certain connotation,” Hawes explained, “but after you watch the movie, it brings an importance to the characters and their roles. It evolves into something meaningful.”
RELATED: Franklin Richards, the Silver Surfer, and the Multiverse: Fantastic Four – First Steps Trailer
Making a Movie in Today’s World
Filming The Amateur was more than just a cinematic process—it was a personal and profound experience for Hawes, especially once the story began to fully come to life.
“There’s always a key moment when it hits you,” he said. “For me, it’s when you record the music live, see your images on the big screen, and the orchestra starts playing. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up because the emotion really hits.”
Hawes admitted that while the story wasn’t directly based on any one real-world event, it’s undeniably shaped by the current global climate.
“We didn’t base it on a specific incident, but we did work with real spies during development,” he revealed. “We updated the setting—from Prague to Istanbul—to feel more like 2025 rather than 1981, when the original novel was written. We wanted Charlie’s espionage skills and tactics to reflect the modern world.”
RELATED: Everything We Learned from the Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer
A Story Beyond Action
While The Amateur delivers its fair share of tension and action, Hawes emphasized that the emotional core was always the priority.
“You can make a stylish spy movie with explosions and shootouts, but it won’t stick unless you care about the people inside those fights,” he said. “Charlie’s grief, his pursuit of justice—those are universal. Everyone understands loss. That’s what gives this film weight.”
The Fan Buzz—and Possibility of a Sequel
As with any film that resonates deeply, talk of a sequel is already swirling among fans.
“I’m glad to hear that!” Hawes responded with a smile when told Reddit users are calling for a continuation. “I avoid Reddit myself, but it’s great people are connecting with the film.”
So, what might a sequel look like?
“I’d start with the characters—always,” Hawes said. “Then I’d look at the world and think: what’s happening now, and where would be a sexy, dynamic place to take these two next?”
Whether or not that sequel comes to life, one thing is certain: The Amateur has left its mark by blending the thrill of espionage with a very human quest for healing and justice.
As Hawes put it, “We like to think the human story is kind of timeless.” And in The Amateur, it truly is.
Watch now on Digital.
