Matthew Rhys Set To Star as Legendary Journalist in ‘70s Drama Series

Matthew Rhys has been tapped to lead a new BBC drama series revolving around journalism icon Harold Evans. The Welsh actor is currently on screens in Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay, which has garnered a highly positive critical reception. He also reportedly has roles in Presumed Innocent Season 2 and John Krasinski’s Silent River in the pipeline.

Matthew Rhys cast in new BBC series Dragon Slayers

As per the BBC, Matthew Rhys has been cast as Sir Harold Evans in the upcoming series Dragon Slayers. A former editor of The Sunday Times who also worked for news outlets like The Atlantic Monthly and New York Daily News, Evans’ Insight team covered several big stories for the UK media. He and his team were recognized for challenging corporations, government institutions, and the legal system.

One of his most notable works as a journalist was fighting for the victims of Thalidomide. He and his group also uncovered the truth behind the DC-10 crash, which was considered the world’s greatest air disaster at the time. Furthermore, he faced down treason charges for exposing Kim Philby as one of the 20th century’s most successful spies.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, ordered the series. Taking place in the 1970s, it will explore Harold Evans’ life and career through interviews with his acquaintances, research, and published accounts.

In addition to starring, Rhys will also executive produce with Patrick Spence, Joe Williams, Annalisa Dinnella, and Peter Bowker. The latter has also been hired to write. Meanwhile, Al Mackay will direct while Natasha Romaniuk will produce. Shaheen Baig serves as casting director.

AC Chapter One is producing while Universal International Studios is co-producing for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Rhys first gained recognition as Kevin Walker in Brothers & Sisters and Philip Jennings in The Americans. The actor later made a guest appearance in Lena Dunham’s Girls in 2017, starred as the title character in Perry Mason, which ran for two seasons between 2020 and 2023, and featured opposite Claire Danes in Netflix’s The Beast in Me.