In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rachel Brosnahan and Rami Malek shared their playful struggle to recall the origins of their long-standing friendship, despite having been close for several years. The pair, who star together in the spy movie “The Amateur,” alongside notable actors such as Laurence Fishburne and Caitríona Balfe, found themselves unable to pinpoint the exact moment they became friends.
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Malek, known for his role in “The Amateur” as an introverted CIA analyst seeking vengeance for his wife’s murder, and Brosnahan, who portrays his deceased wife in the movie, bantered about where and when they first crossed paths. Malek amusingly suggested a fashion show in Paris as their meeting point, while Brosnahan reminisced about a chat at the Global Citizen Festival where Malek mentioned his early acting gig on “Gilmore Girls.”
Despite the ambiguity surrounding their initial encounter, Brosnahan and Malek expressed mutual admiration for each other, with Malek praising Brosnahan as an incredible human being he feels privileged to call a friend. Their camaraderie transcends on-screen chemistry, evident in their effortless portrayal of a married couple in “The Amateur,” where Brosnahan’s character’s memory looms large over Malek’s character’s quest for retribution.
Having both encountered success in their acting careers – Malek’s breakout role in “Gilmore Girls” and Brosnahan’s award-winning performance in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” – the duo serendipitously found themselves continuously crossing paths globally before deciding to collaborate on a project together. Malek, who earned his first producer credit on “The Amateur,” reportedly handpicked Brosnahan for the role while attending the Met Gala in 2023, leading to her eventual casting in the film.
Reflecting on their shared experiences and the ease of working together, Brosnahan highlighted the benefits of having a pre-existing rapport with Malek, which facilitated their on-screen chemistry and understanding. With Malek’s newfound action hero status in “The Amateur,” alongside Brosnahan’s poignant portrayal, their friendship off-screen undoubtedly added depth and authenticity to their characters’ relationship on-screen.
As “The Amateur” hits theatres, audiences can witness the culmination of Brosnahan and Malek’s friendship translated into a gripping on-screen partnership, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of their unique connection. Despite their inability to pinpoint the exact moment they became friends, the bond between Brosnahan and Malek serves as a testament to the magic of unexpected friendships and the collaborative spirit that drives creative endeavours in the entertainment industry.