Bryce Dallas Howard drags her improv class into ‘Deep Cover’ action-comedy
Bryce Dallas Howard drags her improv class into ‘Deep Cover’ action-comedy
Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed join the mission — whether they’re ready or not.
Right next to rom-coms, action comedies are hands-down my favorite genre. So far this year, my top pick’s been “Novocaine,” but I’ve got high hopes that “Deep Cover” might steal the crown. The setup sounds wild in the best way: improv actors pretending to be hardened criminals? Count me in. It drops Thursday, June 12 on Prime Video, and from the cast to the concept, it’s got all the ingredients for a fun, fast, and totally unhinged ride. Here’s everything to know about the Prime Video original movie, “Deep Cover.”
Everything you need to know about ‘Deep Cover’:
What is ‘Deep Cover’ about?
You had me at “improv actors posing as hardened criminals.” That’s the basic set-up of “Deep Cover,” where three improv actors somehow end up neck-deep in London’s criminal underworld. It starts with Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard), a struggling improv teacher who’s feeling like her shot at success has come and gone.
But when a no-nonsense undercover cop (Sean Bean) recruits her for a bizarre operation, she jumps at the chance — and ropes in two of her least-qualified students: Marlon (Orlando Bloom), a wannabe method actor who takes himself way too seriously, and Hugh (Nick Mohammed), a shy banker looking to build confidence. Their job? Pretend to be hardened criminals and help with low-level police stings. But improv rules and real crime don’t mix so well, and the trio quickly gets in over their heads with some very real, very dangerous gangsters.
It’s a mix of high-stakes action and awkward charm, with three total amateurs doing their best to fake it in a world that doesn’t play by improv rules. The real fun comes from watching how committed they are to the bit — especially Marlon, who treats every moment like it’s Shakespeare, and Hugh, who’s clearly in over his head but still trying to follow every improv rule he’s learned. Say yes, stay in character, don’t break the scene… even when you’re face-to-face with a drug lord.
Is there a trailer for ‘Deep Cover’?
Yes — and it’s really funny. The trailer for “Deep Cover” gives a perfect taste of the movie’s tone: offbeat, fast-paced, and full of awkward improv energy. Bryce Dallas Howard plays it straight as Kat, the improv teacher-turned-undercover-agent, while her two students — played by Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed — fumble their way through London’s criminal underworld. One of the best parts? That final beat where a bartender tells Hugh (Nick Mohammed) he reminds her of a movie. “Bond?” he asks hopefully. “Paddington,” she replies. I laughed out loud. If the rest of the movie delivers like that, I’m all in.
When does the movie ‘Deep Cover’ come on Prime Video?
“Deep Cover” premieres Thursday, June 12, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. The film will also make its debut earlier that week at the Tribeca Festival on Tuesday, June 10, as part of the Spotlight Narrative lineup. With the trailer already out and the release just around the corner, this action comedy is lining up to be one of Prime Video’s buzziest summer drops. And at just 100 minutes of runtime, it’s the kind of comedy that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
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Who stars in the movie ‘Deep Cover’?
“Deep Cover” brings together a stacked cast of comedy and action pros. Bryce Dallas Howard leads as Kat, an improv teacher who finds herself way out of her depth when she’s pulled into a real-life undercover mission. Orlando Bloom plays Marlon, one of Kat’s overly intense acting students who thinks he’s ready for anything. Nick Mohammed (aka Nate from “Ted Lasso”) plays Hugh, a nervous banker just looking to boost his confidence but somehow winds up impersonating a criminal.
Sean Bean steps in as Detective Billings, the officer who enlists this wildly unqualified trio to pose as gangsters. The film also features Ian McShane, Paddy Considine, Sonoya Mizuno, and Omid Djalili as the hardened criminals they get tangled up with. Toss in a few surprise appearances from UK comedy regulars like Sophie Duker, Katie Wix, and Susannah Fielding, and you’ve got a cast built for chaos.
Who are the creators behind ‘Deep Cover’?
“Deep Cover” comes from a creative team that knows how to make an action comedy. The movie is directed by Tom Kingsley, best known for his work on British comedies like “Stath Lets Flats” and “Ghosts.” The script is written by “Jurassic World” duo Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow, along with British comedy writers Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, who helped bring the improv-driven chaos to life.
Behind the scenes, the film is produced by Colin Trevorrow through his Metronome Film Co., alongside Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald — names you might recognize from “Men in Black” and “Galaxy Quest.” It’s an original story, not based on any existing material, meaning this mix of undercover work and awkward improv comedy is fresh.