Jon Bernthal’s Sleeper Hit Spy Thriller Officially Finds a New Streamer

By all indications, Jon Bernthal is having one of the biggest moments of his career. The actor's star power has grown considerably over the years, but he's arguably at an all-time high right now following the blockbuster success of The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, two of the year's biggest theatrical releases. With audiences more interested than ever in what's next for the Marvel star, streaming platforms are also looking to capitalize on his growing appeal. Now, HBO Max is getting in on the action, bringing one of Bernthal's most popular movies to its audiences.

One of Bernthal's biggest strengths is his ability to leave an impression on virtually any project he's part of, regardless of how much screen time he's given. The Amateur is a good example. The 2025 spy thriller stars Rami Malek as a grieving CIA cryptographer who embarks on a personal mission for revenge after his wife is murdered. Bernthal joined the film's star-studded cast alongside Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, and Caitríona Balfe, playing a CIA operative nicknamed The Bear. While the role was relatively small, Bernthal's signature aura was well felt, even as some critics argued that the actor was ultimately underused.

The Amateur, directed by James Hawes, wasn't exactly a major box-office draw, grossing around $96 million against its $60 million production budget. However, the movie has compensated for its theatrical deficit on streaming, continuing to attract audiences well beyond its theatrical run. Last month, the spy thriller dominated Prime Video's charts worldwide, becoming one of the platform's most-watched titles. Its streaming appeal isn't entirely surprising, though, considering the movie's impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which far exceeds its critical reception. Now, HBO Max is getting its own chance to capitalize on the movie's growing popularity, with the streamer confirming that The Amateur will begin streaming on the platform on October 17, right after it leaves Prime Video.

Should 'The Amateur' Get a Sequel?

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The fans seem to think The Amateur deserves a sequel, especially given how the final moments left clues for where the story could go next. The major cast, including Malek, who doubled as a producer, have expressed interest in returning for another round. Even the crew are rubbing their palms in anticipation, with director Hawes previously teasing how the movie has the potential to become a unique spy buddy movie with an expanding international scope.

Despite this interest, nothing is official yet, likely because the movie underperformed at the box office, making a second round a major gamble the studios may not be confident taking. Perhaps the film's streaming performance could better the odds, if sustained over time, so fingers crossed. You can do your part to improve those odds by streaming The Amateur on HBO Max, starting October 17.