Meet Montassar Tabben: From Karate Champion to Hollywood Star
Montassar Tabben, also known as "Monty Ben," is a Tunisian actor, researcher, and former karate champion. He has recently landed a role in the fifth season of the popular British series "Slow Horses" on Apple TV+, alongside Hollywood stars such as Sir Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jonathan Pryce.
A Conversation with Montassar Tabben
We had the opportunity to sit down with Montassar Tabben and discuss his journey from being a karate champion to becoming a Hollywood actor.
How did you get involved in the project "Slow Horses"? My agent sent me an audition, and I didn't even know it was for "Slow Horses" at first. The project was codenamed "Embarkment" for confidentiality reasons. I went through a four-stage selection process, and it wasn't until the final callback that I met the team and realized it was for "Slow Horses."
You were one of many actors vying for the role of "Farouk," the leader of a Libyan terrorist group. What set you apart from the others? The competition was fierce, with many strong profiles and well-known actors. I think my ability to bring depth and nuance to the character, as well as my experience in playing complex roles, helped me stand out.
You currently reside between Doha and Paris. How did you balance your schedule for the filming of "Slow Horses"? I would travel back and forth between Doha and London for filming, which took place primarily between February and June 2024, with some additional scenes shot in early 2025.
You've played the role of a villain before, notably in the Ramadan series "El Maestro." Do you worry about being typecast as a villain? I enjoy playing villains, as they are often complex and interesting characters. I don't worry about being typecast, as each role is unique, and I strive to bring something new to each character. I'm excited to showcase my range in upcoming projects, including non-villainous roles.
What traits did you work on to prepare for the role of "Farouk," and how did you ensure you didn't overplay the character? I worked with a dialect coach to master the Libyan dialect and focused on conveying the character's menace without overacting. I also developed a rich inner life for "Farouk," understanding his backstory and motivations to bring depth to the role.
Do you think playing a terrorist is a necessary step for an Arab or North African actor to break into the international film industry? I don't think it's a necessary step, but rather a complex and challenging role that I was drawn to. I evaluate projects based on the writing and the character's complexity, rather than the label or stereotype associated with it.
How do you feel about being part of a British production with international stars, and what do you hope to achieve in your career? It's an incredible opportunity to work with talented actors and learn from them. I hope to continue growing as an actor, taking on diverse roles, and showcasing my range. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me, whether it's in Hollywood, independent cinema, or other platforms.
What's next for you in the world of showbiz? I've recently finished filming a British-Tunisian short film called "Harir," directed by Nejib Kthiri, and I'll be appearing in a Canadian-Tunisian feature film called "Grotto," directed by Kays Mejri, in 2026. I'm also part of another project with Nejib Kthiri, titled "Tkallam," a British-Tunisian feature film.
Final thoughts? I'd like to thank La Presse Magazine for this opportunity and invite everyone to watch the fifth season of "Slow Horses" on Apple TV+. I'm excited to share my upcoming projects with you soon.
