Matthew Rhysis moving to New England and becoming a mayor — on television, of course. ThePerry MasonandThe Americansstar is set to lead AppleTV+’s new, supernatural seriesWidow’s Bay, from accomplished and prolific writerKatie Dippold, who’s penned such films asThe HeatandGhostbusters, and also wrote 31 episodes of the iconic sitcomParks and Recreation. Also involved in the stellar team? DirectorHiro Murai, whom many know from his breathtaking work onAtlanta, Station Eleven,andMr. and Mrs. Smith.
Anyone else allowing themselves to get a little bit excited about this one?
According toDeadline, the new series has a decidedly supernatural bent — appropriate given Dippold’s last feature script was Disney’sThe Haunted Mansion. The show takes place on a mysterious and perhaps cursed New England island with aspirations of Nantucket-level tourism grandeur. However, its superstitious citizens — led by a mayor (Rhys) who doesn’t exactly believe as they do — may put a dent in that dream with their magical beliefs. Rhys' Mayor Tom Loftis is said to be a “no-nonsense single dad forced to deal with his town’s superstitious citizens” while also trying to keep the island and its finances afloat.
Widow’s Baywill be showrun and executive produced by Dippold. Murai, Claudia Shin, Carver Karaszewski, and Rhys will also produce. Joanne Toll will co-executive produce. All of this is happening under the tutelage of Apple Studios for the streamer.
What Has Matthew Rhys Been Up To Since ‘The Americans’ Ended?
In addition to leading the short-lived HBO reboot ofPerry Mason, Matthew Rhys has been keeping himself busy. He wasrecently castalongside John Krasinski in Amazon Prime Video’s forthcoming serial killer seriesSilent River. The Welsh actor (and husband to Keri Russell, hisAmericansco-star) was also recently seen in the 2024 filmSaturday Night, where he played a hilariously brusque George Carlin (host of the first-ever episode ofSaturday Night Live).
John Krasinski and Matthew Rhys To Headline Serial Killer Series for Prime Video
Matthew Rhys and John Krasinski will team up in the new, serial killer-centric series ‘Silent River’ for Prime Video.
The actor has also given his voice to several animated projects, including the animatedWatchmenseries (in which he plays Dan Dreiberg, also known as the second Nite Owl),BoJack Horseman,Tuca & Bertie(where he had a 6-episode stint playing Figgy, the alcoholic tree),The Owl House(where he played Emperor Belos),Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai(where he voiced Riley Greene), andThe Wingfeather Saga(where he voiced Florid Sword and Gammon). He also lent his voice to the Ryan Reynolds-frontedIF, playing an imaginary friend named Ghost.
Based on the players involved, it seems as thoughWidow’s Bay, though supernatural in genre, will likely carry with it a more comedic bent. After all: Rhys is anotoriously silly manin spite of his serious drama actor credentials, and Dippold is known for her audacious and outrageously funny scripts. Add into that the idiosyncratic and out-there humor of director/producer Murai, and, well? This series sounds like it had the potential to be very humorous indeed. Of course, we’ll still (most likely) happily tune in if this ends up being a drama. But who doesn’t want a bit more fun in their viewing schedule these days, eh?
