“The books were one of the main reasons for me loving reading and storytelling”: Otto Farrant and Brenock O’Connor on Alex Rider season three

Just about to land on our screens is the third and final season of the much-loved Alex Rider series. Firmly in the realms of British espionage drama, but from the fresh perspective of a young lad being the protagonist tasked with saving the world, the Amazon Freevee show is based on the internationally acclaimed book series by Anthony Horowitz, which boasts over 20 million copies sold worldwide.

Our eponymous hero is a London-based teenage spy, and in this final instalment, we see a conclusion to Alex’s journey of self-discovery as he confronts his most formidable foe yet: the shadowy criminal organisation known as Scorpia. Adapting the fifth novel of the Horowitz, Rider, portrayed by Otto Farrant, embarks on a daring mission to dismantle Scorpia’s latest scheme, the Invisible Sword, which threatens the very heart of the British Government. With the stakes higher than ever, Alex, free from the constraints of The Department and supported by his closest allies, delves into a personal vendetta against the criminal network, uncovering startling truths about his past and the intricate web of espionage that has entangled his life. The season showcases the return of familiar faces such as Brenock O’Connor, Vicky McClure and Stephen Dillane, alongside a host of new talents, including Sofia Helin and Kevin McNally. Expect high-octane action and suspense, as well a deeper exploration into the complexities of loyalty, friendship and the cost of truth.

Ahead of the premiere, we chatted with Farrant and O’Connor, who teased the new season, highlighting new threats, uncovering family secrets and Alex’s solo journey to confront Scorpio. They shared how they love the show’s youthful perspective on spy thrillers, its fun and dark moments and its universal messages. Both actors delved into their characters’ developments and their personal connections to the story, emphasising the adaptation from Horowitz’s novels and the creative freedom they enjoyed. We also discussed the best moments from filming on location in Malta, the bittersweet end of the series and their future plans, focusing on personal projects and the industry’s unpredictability.

Sarah Bradbury

Alex Rider season three is released on Prime Video on 5^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for Alex Rider season three here: