Comedian Jack Whitehall is set to reveal a chilling new side to his talent in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video thriller, Malice, launching on November 14.
From Comedian to Chilling Caregiver
In a dramatic departure from his usual comedic roles, Whitehall takes on the part of Adam Healey, a male nanny – or 'manny' – who joins an affluent family with a hidden, dark agenda. The series, set against the backdrop of Greece, promises to subvert audience expectations of the beloved funnyman.
Screenwriter James, who crafted the role specifically for Whitehall, explained the unique casting choice. He highlighted a growing trend of comedians playing villains, stating that while the part could have gone to an established genre actor, "with Jack in the role, it just becomes something else."
James elaborated on Whitehall's suitability, noting his inherent charm and humour made him the perfect fit to convince a family to trust him as their childminder. More importantly, the writer believed this role would unveil a previously hidden dimension of the actor, revealing what he described as "the empty soul" of Whitehall, a side never before captured on television.
Delving into a Dark Place for the Role
Whitehall himself confirmed that the role was a significant undertaking, demanding a completely different approach compared to his previous work. He admitted the part required extensive preparation and a willingness to explore psychologically challenging territory.
The timing of the role coincided with a major life event for Whitehall: he became a first-time father to his daughter, Elsie, with his fiancée Roxy Horner. This juxtaposition of his personal life with the dark nature of his character created a unique research environment.
"I was a new father in the lead up to filming this so [there was] quite a lot of research I was having to do," Whitehall shared. He recounted a specific instance where, while feeding his newborn daughter, he was studying Anthony Perkins' iconic performance in the classic horror film Psycho, as directed by the show's writer. "There were a fair few moments where I had to go into quite a dark place," he revealed, underscoring the intensity of his preparation for the complex character of Adam Healey.
Malice will be available for streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from November 14.
