Amir El-Masry, the British–Egyptian actor, takes center stage as he portrays British-Yemeni boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed in the biopic Giant, which opens the Saudi Arabia Red Sea Film Festival. This role is a highlight in a busy period for El-Masry, who is featured in three recent films illustrating his cross-cultural background.
Following his appearance in Julia Jackman’s reimagined fairy tale 100 Nights of Hero at the Venice Film Festival, El-Masry steps into the lead in both Giant, directed by Rowan Athale, and in The Stories by Abu Bakr Shawky, where he embodies a Cairo-based pianist who becomes pen pals—and later, husband—to an Austrian woman.
A Versatile Career Spanning Genres and Regions
Born in Cairo and raised in London, El-Masry broke through in 2016 with a part as a hotel chef alongside Tom Hiddleston in Susanne Bier’s acclaimed miniseries The Night Manager. His reputation grew as he won a BAFTA Scotland award for his portrayal of a Syrian asylum-seeker on a Scottish isle in Ben Sharrock’s Limbo in 2020. His range continued to expand with a military chief role in the blockbuster Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Fans recently saw him as Mohamed al-Fayed in Netflix’s The Crown, depicting the father of Dodi and former owner of Harrods. El-Masry has also starred in Egypt’s popular musical series Crazy About You and was featured in the BBC’s submarine thriller Vigil. He will next join Yasmin Al-Khudhairi, Hiam Abbass, and Lindsay Duncan in Fateme Ahmadi’s upcoming thriller Daughter of Eden.
Transforming Into Prince Naseem: Inspiration and Determination
El-Masry described what drew him to play Prince Naseem Hamed and the impact the legendary boxer had on him. In his words, Naseem stood for perseverance, making his mark in Sheffield, a city not widely known for diversity. The boxer found community at Brendan Ingle’s gym, overcoming his slight build with power and determination that allowed him to reach world champion status. El-Masry, himself molded by multi-cultural experiences growing up in London, finds resonance in Naseem’s journey as a symbol for self-made achievement.
This role required El-Masry to channel both athletic resilience and cultural pride, linking his personal heritage with that of Prince Naseem, who was lauded for achieving global recognition against the odds. Through this portrayal, El-Masry bridges his British and Middle Eastern backgrounds, underlining the multi-layered nature of his crafts and characters.
Physical Demands and On-Set Injury During Filming
Filming Giant involved significant physical preparation for El-Masry, including daily gym sessions and a rapid transformation over just four and a half weeks. The intensive boxing routines mirrored the discipline demanded of real athletes. During the penultimate week on set, the production hosted boxing personalities including Johnny Nelson to watch El-Masry train.
During a demonstration with a stuntman, he was encouraged to
“Just punch me. Punch me. Don’t worry about it.”
— Stuntman
El-Masry followed through, resulting in a moment when his punch struck the stuntman’s elbow, dislocating El-Masry’s finger. He recounted the shock and intensity of the injury. Despite the painful incident and his hand swelling, he was cleared by doctors to continue. In this vulnerable moment, Pierce Brosnan intervened, bringing support that went beyond the professional.
“Don’t worry about the film. Fuck the film. Worry about your health, worry about your family.”
— Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan’s Role as Mentor and Supporter
El-Masry reflected on working alongside Pierce Brosnan in Giant, describing the former James Bond actor as a consummate professional, both leader and father figure. The support Brosnan provided during the injury incident was especially meaningful, likened to a relationship between parent and child. This dynamic created an environment where El-Masry felt genuinely cared for, both personally and as part of a collaborative team.
Their professional connection is set to continue, with El-Masry making a cameo in the upcoming Guy Ritchie TV series Mobland, where they are reunited on screen.
“Do you want to want to work with Pierce again?”
— Agent
From Boxer to Pianist: Navigating Diverse Roles
Transitioning from portraying a flamboyant boxing champion in Giant to a reserved pianist in Abu Bakr Shawky’s The Stories posed a new challenge for El-Masry. He shared insights into preparing for two vastly different personalities, drawing inspiration from YouTube videos for Prince Naseem and intimate notes from Shawky about his own father for the pianist role. The approach involved focusing on physical expression—using his hands to reflect emotion for the pianist—rather than vocal bravado.
Looking Ahead to New Projects and Collaborations
El-Masry’s collaboration with filmmaker Ben Sharrock is set to continue with the film Alone Together. The story follows a man on a writing retreat in Oman, grappling with personal change and embarking on a path to self-discovery. This project, still in early stages, promises the same depth and imaginative storytelling that marked their previous partnership in Limbo.
The ongoing evolution of Amir El-Masry’s career—from his roots in Cairo and London to international acclaim—reflects his ability to inhabit varied characters and bridge multiple cultural narratives. With directors like Rowan Athale, Abu Bakr Shawky, and Ben Sharrock, and colleagues such as Pierce Brosnan, El-Masry stands as a versatile talent in modern cinema.
As Giant premieres at the Red Sea Film Festival, El-Masry’s performance alongside Pierce Brosnan places both actors and their film into the global spotlight. The project underscores the collaborative spirit behind its creation, highlighting how support and mentorship can shape both the making of a film and the artists themselves. As his filmography continues to expand, El-Masry’s ability to transform and engage with complex roles cements his position as a significant contributor to contemporary stories that cross borders and cultures.
