Matthew Rhys Unsuccessfully Pitched Brothers & Sisters Holiday Special

Matthew Rhys is expanding his acting range through “massive swings” in new genre-bending series. The 51-year-old actor currently stars as a menacing mogul in Netflix’s The Beast in Me and a beleaguered mayor in Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay, signaling a strategic shift toward more daring, outsider roles in his later career.

How Matthew Rhys is redefining his career through “outsider” roles

Rhys has shifted his approach to selecting roles as he entered his 30s and 40s. He notes that while his 20s were spent worrying about public perception, he now embraces making a fool of himself to learn more.

This evolution is inspired by the “massive swings” taken by actors like Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman. Rhys believes that because “time’s running out,” it is the right moment to experiment with accents and bolder performances.

What is the psychological depth of Nile Jarvis in The Beast in Me?

In Netflix’s The Beast in Me, Rhys plays Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul accused of murdering his first wife. The character is designed to be simultaneously charming and menacing, a balance Claire Danes describes as a difficult set of competing forces.

The role explores a “simmering rage” stemming from a childhood “originating wound.” According to Rhys, Nile’s domineering father, played by Jonathan Banks, blamed him for his mother’s death during childbirth.

Rhys modeled Nile’s unsettling calm after Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. This psychological portrait culminates when Nile’s second wife, Nina (Brittany Snow), records his confession regarding his homicidal tendencies.

How does Widow’s Bay blend horror and comedy?

In Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay, Rhys portrays Tom Loftis, a mayor attempting to boost tourism on a New England island believed to be cursed. The series pays homage to the works of Stephen King, John Carpenter, and the film Jaws.

Rhys approached the role by “playing the reality” of the situations, as instructed by creator Katie Dippold and producing director Hiro Murai. This method allowed the comedy to emerge naturally from the character’s desperation.

Much of the humor stems from Tom’s denial of the island’s paranormal activity, including the “Sea Hag” in episode three. His insistence on scientific explanations is driven by a desire to create a prosperous environment for his son.

What projects may follow for Matthew Rhys?

Rhys has recently finished production on a new season of the Apple TV legal anthology Presumed Innocent. He is also preparing for a BBC drama titled Dragon Slayers, where he will play investigative journalist Harry Evans.

A one-man show centered on Richard Burton may come to New York City next year. Additionally, Rhys continues to advocate for a revival of Brothers & Sisters, a show he and Luke Macfarlane starred in as one of network TV’s first major gay couples.

While a two-hour holiday special was previously rejected by ABC leadership after the 2011 cancellation, a revival could be possible. Rhys points to Disney’s recent revivals of Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle as evidence that the conversation could be revisited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Matthew Rhys play in The Beast in Me?
He plays Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul accused of murdering his first wife who develops a perverse interest in his neighbor, author Aggie Wiggs.

What is the premise of Widow’s Bay?
The show follows Tom Loftis, a mayor of a New England island who tries to ignore local beliefs that the land is cursed in order to boost tourism.

Why does Matthew Rhys believe Brothers & Sisters could return?
He cites ongoing fan appreciation for the show and the fact that Disney has recently revived other series like Malcolm in the Middle and Scrubs.

Do you think legacy dramas like Brothers & Sisters should be revived for modern audiences?