“Are you sure this is for me?”
That was Matthew Rhys‘ reaction when he was approached to play Nile Jarvis, the ruthless real estate tycoon suspected of murdering his first wife in Netflix’s hit limited series The Beast in Me opposite Claire Danes. The award-winning actor has a reputation for being one of the nicest guys in the business – consider his six-season arc as Philip Jennings on The Americans – so even he was surprised that he was being offered the chance to play someone with a much, MUCH darker side.
But audiences and voters alike have embraced his sinister turn – the Beast in Me has ranked at the top of Netflix’s Top 10 list since its debut three weeks ago, so much that he just earned a Critics Choice nominations and a Golden Globe nomination – one of three for the series along with his costar, Claire Danes and for the show itself.
“More and More what I Do Is Just Pretend Really Hard”
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More and more what I do is just pretend really hard, because I’ve spent a lifetime in pretense.
What was your first reaction when the role came your way?
I was like,Wait,do they want me for this? Are you sure this is for me? Am I meant to be playing the cop? Who thinks I’m capable of this? It was a real shock to be perfectly honest. But it’s such a nuanced role, I think, and I immediately saw, you try and trace where it all comes from. It can’t just be gratuitous for its own sake. It has to stem from something or somewhere,and I could see that. And I just thought that was interesting, and I was just very grateful that they threw it my way.
But he can’t be a mustache-twirling villain – you have to find the heart in him.
This was my thing on set a lot especially with [director] Antonio Campos at the beginning, where I would do that [mimes twirling a mustache]and it’s like, “Am I going too far with this?” There are elements to Nile that are quite broad which concern me, but also there’s a great honesty to him, which is kind of liberating and really fun to play.
How much did you know about where it was going when you started? I read that you had three scripts, but not the finale.
No,I had no idea. I kept badgering Claire, as she’s an exec producer going, “Hey, what happens at the end?” She’s like, “I don’t know. I know as much as you, so we really didn’t know.” But Claire had such faith in [executive producers] Howard [[gordon] and Daniel [[Pearl]having worked so much, especially with Howard on Homeland she says, “Look, this is where he comes into his own. He’s backed into a corner,” and you kind of go, “How’s he gonna get us out of this?” And then he does. And if he could do what he did with homeland I wasn’t concerned.
What conversations did you have with Howard?
I just wanted to make sure I was rooting in the right place. I was like, “Look, whatever you’re planning, you’re planning, but I just wanted to know, is it steeped in this element with his dad?” I just wanted to kind of foundation it a bit. I trusted him implicitly,so it wasn’t an issue for me.
And then how did you feel when you found out where it was going?
I mean,disturbed,but in the way where you go,oh my God,it’s so dark,but kind of rich. It was the big elements with the father that I was glad for that kind of rounded it a bit more, but God, yeah, it was dark, but then it needs to be dark.
You got that flashback episode where you really got to dig into Nile’s past.
Exactly, and that’s all that concerned me, is that it’s you see it. it’s not just spur-of-the-moment stuff. It comes from somewhere.
What was it like to play that opposite Jonathan Banks?
Well, he’s terrifying, in the loveliest way. He’s the most charming, terrifying person I know.So it was great but again, the casting was so good, because you need to know that Nile was scared of his father, and where the hatred comes from and the resentment and all those kind of slightly more complex elements build nicely into that relationship. So he was ideal for me, because you need to see the dual resentment/fear of his father.
Speaking of casting, talk about acting opposite Claire.I almost found it hard to believe that the two of you had never been in anything together before.**
David Strathairn Hints at ‘Homeland’ Return and Teases ‘The Diplomat’ Role
David Strathairn is sparking speculation about a potential return to Homeland and continues to playfully lobby for a role on The Diplomat. Recent comments suggest his character, Paul Walden, may not have met his end as previously believed.
‘Homeland’ Resurrection?
Strathairn recently hinted at the possibility that Paul Walden faked his death, suggesting the scene of him on a gurney in an ambulance could have been a deception. He believes the idea of Walden surviving, albeit injured, is “totally believable.” This aligns with fan theories that have circulated since the character’s apparent demise in the show’s final season. Furthermore, Strathairn mentioned a potential arc for the character of Nile, suggesting a path to repentance.
pursuing a Role on ‘The Diplomat’
The actor is actively trying to join the cast of the Netflix hit The Diplomat.He’s been jokingly “badgering” the show’s creator, Keri Russell, about appearing. Strathairn proposed playing Rufus Sewell’s brother, but Russell pointed out their lack of physical resemblance. Undeterred, he suggested a half-brother role, leaving the possibility open for a future appearance.
“Who knows if they’ll have me,” Strathairn admitted,indicating the decision ultimately rests with the showrunners.
David Strathairn’s Career
David Strathairn is a highly acclaimed actor with a career spanning decades. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Nomadland (2020) [IMDb] and is known for his versatile performances in films like Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) [IMDb] and Lincoln (2012) [imdb]. His portrayal of Paul Walden in Homeland earned him critical praise and a dedicated fanbase.
Key Takeaways
- David Strathairn suggests his Homeland character, Paul Walden, may have faked his death.
- He is actively seeking a role on The Diplomat, proposing to play Rufus Sewell’s brother (or half-brother).
- Strathairn’s comments have fueled speculation among fans of both shows.
As of december 10, 2025, neither show has confirmed Strathairn’s potential return or addition to the cast. Though, his continued interest and playful lobbying suggest a possibility remains for fans to see more of his work in these popular series.