Before Hollywood calls came through, Amir El-Masry had his first big screen moment back home in Egypt with Ramadan Mabrouk Abu Elalamain Hamouda. What looked like a fun local start turned out to be the first step in a career that’s taken him from Cairo all the way to London, Cannes, and even a galaxy far, far away.
Now, with news breaking that he’s joining the cast of The Agency Season 2, it’s the perfect excuse to recap his biggest international roles — the ones that made him one of the most exciting Arab talents working abroad today.
The Night Manager
Amir first turned heads worldwide as a hotel chef in the multi-award-winning series The Night Manager. Sharing the screen with Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, he proved he could hold his own in a slick, high-stakes thriller — and audiences noticed.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Every actor dreams of a galaxy far, far away, and Amir got his chance in 2019 as Commander Trach in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. It wasn’t the biggest role, but being part of one of the most iconic franchises in history is a badge of honor.
Jack Ryan
In Amazon’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Amir took on the role of Ibrahim, diving straight into the world of espionage and action. It was the kind of role that showed casting directors he had the chops for global thrillers — and set him up for gigs like The Agency.
Limbo
This was the game-changer. El-Masry starred as a Syrian refugee in the critically acclaimed indie film Limbo, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. His performance earned him the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in a Film and a nomination for Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). Critics called it one of the most moving performances of the year, cementing him as more than just a rising star.
Club Zero
El-Masry hit the Cannes red carpet again with Club Zero, Jessica Hausner’s dark satire about an elite school where wellness ideals spiral into something far more sinister. He took on the role of the school’s ballet teacher, caught in the unsettling bond between a new instructor and five students. The film’s chilling themes sparked plenty of debate at Cannes, and for El-Masry, it was another chance to flex his range in a bold, thought-provoking role.
The Crown
In Season 5 of Netflix’s The Crown (2022), Amir portrayed a young version of Egyptian tycoon Mohamed Al-Fayed, which put him in the center of a storyline that had everyone talking. It was a high-profile role in one of the world’s most-watched shows, spotlighting him to an even bigger international audience.
Giant (Upcoming)
El-Masry will soon be seen starring as legendary British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem Hamed in Giant, opposite none other than Pierce Brosnan. The biopic is one of his most anticipated roles yet, promising a powerhouse performance that could mark another career-defining moment.
The Agency: Central Intelligence
Now comes the latest big move: El-Masry will be joining The Agency Season 2. The espionage thriller has already made waves in its first season, and its addition signals bigger things ahead. He will be playing Abu Dhabi officer Saeed, adding another spy thriller to his growing list. This is set to be one of his most exciting Hollywood roles yet, bringing his journey full circle from Egyptian cinema to global TV stardom.
The Takeaway
From comedy beginnings in Egypt to award-winning performances and now a seat at the table in one of TV’s hottest spy shows, Amir El-Masry has built a career that’s as versatile as it is impressive. With The Agency on the horizon, it’s clear he’s not slowing down anytime soon — and honestly, we’re just here for the ride.
WE SAID THIS: Don’t Miss…Amir El Masry Shines At Cannes Film Festival With ‘Club Zero’
