David Duchovny is making his return to television as the main character Jamie Tanner in the new Prime Video thriller Malice. Jamie is the patriarch of a rich family on holiday in Greece. On the surface, his life seems perfect and orderly until Adam, played by Jack Whitehall, comes into the picture as a charming tutor. The show brings together scenic locations, suspense, and underlying secrets, which Duchovny found compelling. This was particularly because it is set in Greece and he has had a deep love for mythology since he was a child.He stated that he didn’t just accept the role because of the script. Greece was part of why he saw this series in a positive light. He laughed when he said,"Well, I'd be lying if I said coming to Greece wasn't part of the reason because I've never been here, and it's figured prominently in my thinking for my entire life."Duchovny confessed that, although he thought about it his entire life, he had never been to Greece. He said,"I loved Greek mythology as a kid: it's the whole basis of Western civilization, thought, literature, poetry and music."He also shared a funny moment: he said he works in Greece in “Crocs,” showing that even on this beautiful job, he keeps things simple and real. The actor’s fondness for the place was not just about scenery. Greece and its history held personal significance for him, beyond just a backdrop for drama.Why did David Duchovny feel a strong pull to the role in Malice?David Duchovny stated that his attraction to the character of Jamie Tanner was because Jamie is complex. He is not a mere rich and powerful man. He has a tremendous affection for his family, his wife, and his children, though he also possesses an emotional distance in that regard. That tone-deafness in relationships improves the realism, makes him human, and is more interesting for Duchovny to play.He worried at first that people might see Jamie and think he is naive for allowing Adam, the “manny,” into his family. But Duchovny felt the writing was smart enough. He said Jamie “created the opening that Adam walks through,” and that makes the conflict more than just a thriller setup.More than the character, David Duchovny loved how the show was built. Malice is described as a “why-done-it,” not a “who-done-it.” He said he liked playing someone who is confident in his life but whose world cracks open. For him, this role was different and gave him space to explore more than just power—to explore pain, trust, and family.World Premiere of the series - Arrivals - Source: GettyHow Greek mythology and setting shaped David Duchovny's decision to say yes to Malice?Duchovny primarily accepted the role in Malice because he has always been fascinated by Greek mythology. As a kid, he was captivated by stories of gods, heroes, and fate, and so playing a character in Greece, where a lot of that mythology lives, felt like it was connected to something inside him.He also said filming for Malice in Greece felt special. He named the island of Paros, where they shot scenes, as meaningful. For him, being there was not just beautiful, but deeply historic. The location reminded him of the foundations of Western civilization and the mythology he grew up admiring.Duchovny’s personal life also connects to this. He said his son is interested in archaeology, and they plan to explore together. He even mentioned taking his son to an island called Despotiko, a place where they filmed near ancient ruins. For him, this job was not just work; it was part of a family journey into history.What the show Malice is really about?Malice tells the story of the Tanner family, rich and well-off, but full of secrets. The tutor, Adam, is not who he seems, and he uses charm and intelligence to enter their life. Adam’s motives are dark. He wants revenge and plays a long game.David Duchovny describes Jamie Tanner as a man who seems to have it all: money, success, status. But Adam’s arrival challenges that. Over the six episodes of Malice, Jamie watches his world fall apart. The series tests how far Jamie will go to protect his family, and whether his own mistakes made the danger possible. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostDuchovny also said the writing of Malice allowed for some humor. He tried to “smuggle in” moments that felt lived-in instead of mechanical dialogue. Jamie is blunt with his kids and wife, sometimes harsh, but that bluntness feels real. He added that he did not want Jamie to just be a one-note rich guy; there is warmth, love, and pain under the surface.Why does this role in Malice feel personal for David Duchovny?For Duchovny, Malice is more than a job. It feels deeply personal because of the ties to his youth and his values. This role also gives him a chance to stretch as an actor. He plays a man who is secure, but not unbreakable. He plays someone who has made his life, but also left windows open for danger. Duchovny seems to like how the show upends what you expect: he is not a hero, not a villain; he is human.He also jokes about small things, like working in Crocs, or doing scenes on a Greek island, or how his Greek mythology dreams finally came true. However, underneath the humor is a true meaning: for him, this is a moment where it felt like a rare chance to reconnect childhood interests with his work as an actor.It is for that reason David Duchovny agreed to participate in Malice: because it was not only a terrific thriller, but also deeply personal to him. The role allowed him to bring together his interests in mythology, his relationship and love for his son, and his craft of acting. For Duchovny, Malice is not merely a show; it is a bridge to his past, his present, and maybe even his future.