Matthew Rhys joining wife Keri Russell on Netflix (but not in The Diplomat)

Weren't all of us fans of The Americans secretly hoping that Matthew Rhys would surprise us all and reunite with real-life wife Keri Russell to guest star in The Diplomat season 2? Maybe you weren't, but I know I was keeping my fingers crossed that the Emmy Award-winning actor would make an appearance in The Diplomat and face off with Kate Wyler. Well, Rhys will at least be on Netflix.

In August 2024, Variety reported that Matthew Rhys had joined fellow Emmy winner Claire Danes in the upcoming Netflix original limited series The Beast in Me. Danes, best known for her work in My So-Called Life and Homeland, joined the series that comes from Homeland co-creator Howard Gordon back in March. Along with starring in the series, Danes also executive produces.

While an episode count and production timeline haven't yet been revealed by Netflix, we do know a little bit of what to expect from The Beast in Me. Claire Danes will play Aggie Wiggs, an author struggling with writer's block and grief following her son's death. Inspiration strikes when a mysterious new neighbor Nile Jarvis, played by Matthew Rhys, moves in next door.

Just as Maggie's a well-known author, Nile is also well-known as a real estate mogul. However, he has a bit of infamy attached to his name, as once upon a time, he was the police's leading suspect when his wife went missing. Aggie completely dives into his story to uncover her truth, and the results could be deadly if she pokes a bit too hard at the hornet's nest... and she probably does.

Here's how Netflix describes the forthcoming thriller limited series:

"In The Beast in Me, acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs (Danes) has receded from public life since the tragic death of her young son, unable to write, a ghost of her former self. But she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Jarvis (Rhys), a famed and formidable real estate mogul who was once the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth — chasing his demons while fleeing her own — in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly."

There's no doubts about it, The Beast in Me will be one of the most highly anticipated new Netflix original series in recent memory with two Emmy Award-winning talents on board. Danes and Rhys will shine opposite each other as two people clearly hiding and running from something. The thriller will also surely be a future award season favorite, landing both stars more nominations (and potential wins).

Speaking of more Emmy nominations on the way, Russell returns to Netflix on Oct. 31, 2024 with another powerhouse performance in season 2 Netflix's original political drama The Diplomat. Russell landed an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the first season, and she's already a lock (or at least she should be!) for a nomination for season 2.

The new season features a guest starring role from Academy Award winner Allison Janney, which will be one of the most exciting television events of the year in and of itself. But I still can't help but hold onto hope Rhys could cameo in the future. Rhys and Russell last starred together in 2023's Cocaine Bear, so it's not completely out of the realm of possibility. Maybe season 3, if it happens?

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