Matthew Rhys, 51, is shifting his career trajectory by intentionally choosing roles that push him toward “massive swings” in performance, moving away from his earlier professional anxieties. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rhys has recently leaned into playing complex outsiders, notably as Nile Jarvis in Netflix’s The Beast in Me and as a beleaguered mayor in Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay.
Why is Matthew Rhys pivoting to high-risk roles?
Rhys attributes his current creative evolution to a change in mindset regarding public perception. He notes that while his 20s were defined by worrying about external opinions, his 30s and 40s brought the realization that “no one fucking cares what you do or think.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, this shift has encouraged the actor to embrace challenging performances, such as those famously executed by Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman, because he believes “time’s running out.”
Matthew Rhys intentionally used a higher vocal register for his role in Widow’s Bay to evoke a sense of familiarity for fans of his performance as Kevin in the long-running drama Brothers & Sisters.
How does Rhys balance menace and charm in The Beast in Me?
In The Beast in Me, Rhys portrays Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul accused of murdering his first wife. His co-star, Claire Danes, who helped develop the series with showrunner Howard Gordon, noted the difficulty of the role. She told The Hollywood Reporter that the character required a balance of “menace while remaining engaging and charming.” Rhys drew inspiration from Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, aiming to maintain an “unsettling sense of calm” even as his character’s life unravels.
What is the future of the Brothers & Sisters revival?
Despite his current projects, Rhys maintains interest in revisiting his role from Brothers & Sisters. He confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he, co-star Dave Annable, and producing director Ken Olin previously pitched a two-hour holiday special to ABC to wrap up the series after its 2011 cancellation. While that pitch was unsuccessful, Rhys remains optimistic, citing the recent trend of revivals for shows like Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle. He believes the continued audience affection for the show, especially with Sally Field involved, makes a return plausible.
What are the upcoming projects for Matthew Rhys?
Beyond his recent genre-bending work, Rhys is maintaining a busy schedule. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he has wrapped production on the new season of the Apple TV anthology Presumed Innocent. He is also preparing for the BBC drama Dragon Slayers, where he will play journalist Harry Evans, and is exploring the possibility of bringing his one-man Richard Burton show to New York City next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Rhys prepare for the comedic tone of Widow’s Bay?
Rhys lacked formal comedic training and initially felt apprehensive. However, he told The Hollywood Reporter that director Hiro Murai and creator Katie Dippold advised him to “play the reality” of the situation, which liberated him to approach the show as a drama.
What is the “originating wound” for Nile Jarvis?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the character’s psychological portrait is rooted in his father—played by Jonathan Banks—blaming him for his mother’s death during childbirth, leading to a lifetime of suppressed rage.
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