Editor’s note: This interview was done outside of the FYC event as there was no cast or creatives panel.
“I think there’s a certain pace a noir allows, which at times can be an indulgent luxury,” says Perry Mason‘s Matthew Rhys of the 1930s-set HBO series from Team Downey. “But it really allows you the time for things to unfold. It’s a real luxury, I think, for actors to have that kind of time and space, and real estate.”
Chatting before Perry Mason was canceled by HBO on June 6 after a two-season run, Rhys certainly has a strong sense of time and space tacking the iconic character in the heart of the Great Depression and the rise of Fascism in Germany, Italy and Spain. Having concluded its second season April 24, the series starring Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick and Jee Young Han...
“I think there’s a certain pace a noir allows, which at times can be an indulgent luxury,” says Perry Mason‘s Matthew Rhys of the 1930s-set HBO series from Team Downey. “But it really allows you the time for things to unfold. It’s a real luxury, I think, for actors to have that kind of time and space, and real estate.”
Chatting before Perry Mason was canceled by HBO on June 6 after a two-season run, Rhys certainly has a strong sense of time and space tacking the iconic character in the heart of the Great Depression and the rise of Fascism in Germany, Italy and Spain. Having concluded its second season April 24, the series starring Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick and Jee Young Han...
- 6/9/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
While this HBO series has been moderately popular with viewers and critics, Perry Mason also draws relatively low ratings. On top of that, it's been three years between seasons, so the cast's contracts may have expired already. Will Perry Mason be cancelled or renewed for season three? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.
A detective drama series, the Perry Mason TV show is a prequel that provides a reimagined origin story for the legendary criminal defense lawyer. The show stars Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O'Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham. Initially, Perry Mason (Rhys) is a low-rent private investigator who lives check-to-check in the 1930s. His wartime experiences...
A detective drama series, the Perry Mason TV show is a prequel that provides a reimagined origin story for the legendary criminal defense lawyer. The show stars Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O'Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham. Initially, Perry Mason (Rhys) is a low-rent private investigator who lives check-to-check in the 1930s. His wartime experiences...
- 6/7/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
It's court dismissed for Perry, Della, and Paul. HBO has cancelled its version of Perry Mason so there won't be a third season. The second season of eight episodes finished airing in April.
A detective drama series from Robert Downey Jr.'s Team Downey, the Perry Mason TV show is a prequel that provides a reimagined origin story for the legendary criminal defense lawyer. The show stars Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O'Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham. Initially, Perry Mason (Rhys) is a low-rent private investigator who lives check-to-check in the 1930s. His wartime experiences in France haunt him, and he suffers the after-effects of a broken...
A detective drama series from Robert Downey Jr.'s Team Downey, the Perry Mason TV show is a prequel that provides a reimagined origin story for the legendary criminal defense lawyer. The show stars Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O'Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham. Initially, Perry Mason (Rhys) is a low-rent private investigator who lives check-to-check in the 1930s. His wartime experiences in France haunt him, and he suffers the after-effects of a broken...
- 6/7/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
HBO has canceled its Matthew Rhys-led drama Perry Mason after two seasons, according to Deadline. Produced by Robert Downey Jr.’s Team Downey, the reworked 1950s and ’60s classic courtroom show followed the titular character portrayed by Rhys. “We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.” The series premiered strongly in June 2020, which would see Rhys earn an Emmy nomination for his leading role. HBO renewed the series midway through its first season. Season 2 saw Jack Amiel and Michael Begler (The Knick) serve as showrunners, taking over for creators Ron Fitzgerald and Rolin Jones...
- 6/6/2023
- TV Insider
The verdict is in… and it’s bad news for Perry Mason fans. HBO has cancelled the courtroom drama starring Matthew Rhys after two seasons, according to our sister site Deadline.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
More from TVLineKatherine McNamara Opens...
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
More from TVLineKatherine McNamara Opens...
- 6/6/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
“Perry Mason” has been canceled after two seasons at HBO, TheWrap has confirmed.
The Matthew Rhys-led iteration of the classic series, which initially launched as a limited series on HBO, will not be returning for a third season.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Official word of the show’s status comes over a month after HBO aired the Season 2 finale of “Perry Mason” on April 24.
Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Rhys reprised his role in the sophomore season,...
The Matthew Rhys-led iteration of the classic series, which initially launched as a limited series on HBO, will not be returning for a third season.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Official word of the show’s status comes over a month after HBO aired the Season 2 finale of “Perry Mason” on April 24.
Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Rhys reprised his role in the sophomore season,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
HBO has returned an unfavorable verdict on Perry Mason.
The drama starring Matthew Rhys as the title character has been canceled after two seasons. The series, a reworking of the classic courtroom show of the 1950s and ’60s, is produced by Robert Downey Jr.’s Team Downey.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Perry Mason premiered in June 2020 to solid audience numbers, and Rhys would earn an Emmy nomination for his lead role. HBO renewed the series midway through its first season.
Jack Amiel and Michael Begler (The Knick) served as showrunners on season two,...
The drama starring Matthew Rhys as the title character has been canceled after two seasons. The series, a reworking of the classic courtroom show of the 1950s and ’60s, is produced by Robert Downey Jr.’s Team Downey.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Perry Mason premiered in June 2020 to solid audience numbers, and Rhys would earn an Emmy nomination for his lead role. HBO renewed the series midway through its first season.
Jack Amiel and Michael Begler (The Knick) served as showrunners on season two,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Perry Mason” has been canceled at HBO, Variety has confirmed. The series debuted its second and final season at the premium cabler in March.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Matthew Rhys starred in the series in the title role. Unlike the 1950’s TV series in which Mason worked as a lawyer, the HBO series portrays the character earlier in his life when he is a private investigator in Los Angeles in the 1930s.
Along with Rhys, the Season 2 cast also included: Juliet Rylance,...
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Matthew Rhys starred in the series in the title role. Unlike the 1950’s TV series in which Mason worked as a lawyer, the HBO series portrays the character earlier in his life when he is a private investigator in Los Angeles in the 1930s.
Along with Rhys, the Season 2 cast also included: Juliet Rylance,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Perry Mason has tried his last case — at least for now. HBO has opted not to renew the prequel to the classic series, starring Matthew Rhys and executive produced by Team Downey’s Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, for a third season. The news comes a month and a half after the Season 2 finale debuted April 24.
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement to Deadline. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Speaking ahead of the Season 2 finale, Downey Jr. addressed the prospect for a third season. “I mean wouldn’t that be nice?,” he told Deadline. “I...
“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement to Deadline. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”
Speaking ahead of the Season 2 finale, Downey Jr. addressed the prospect for a third season. “I mean wouldn’t that be nice?,” he told Deadline. “I...
- 6/6/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Perry Mason just wrapped its second season, and according to one of the HBO show's executive producers, the cast and crew would like to get a third season renewal.
Starring Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O’Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham, the legal drama series is a reimaging of the popular series that follows criminal defense attorney Perry Mason (Rhys).
Read More…...
Starring Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange, Justin Kirk, Diarra Kilpatrick, Katherine Waterston, Hope Davis, Fabrizio Guido, Peter Mendoza, Mark O’Brien, Paul Raci, Jen Tullock, Jon Chaffin, Onahoua Rodriguez, Jee Young Han, Sean Astin, Tommy Dewey, and Wallace Langham, the legal drama series is a reimaging of the popular series that follows criminal defense attorney Perry Mason (Rhys).
Read More…...
- 4/25/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Matthew Rhys revealed in a recent interview with The Times of London that he auditioned for James Bond before Daniel Craig nabbed the role of 007 in “Casino Royale.” It turns out “The Americans” and “Perry Mason” star made a joke about Bond that didn’t exactly humor the franchise’s longtime producers.
Following Pierce Brosnan’s exit from the Bond franchise after “Die Another Day,” Rhys was invited to the offices of the Broccoli family to read for a revamped 007 project that would become 2006’s “Casino Royale.”
“I do remember a time just before Daniel [Craig] got it,” Rhys said. “[It was a] very intimidating [office]. We were just told to wear a dark suit and read ‘Casino Royale.'”
Rhys called the audition process “terrifying” and added, “They said, ‘What would you do differently with Bond?’ And I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like,...
Following Pierce Brosnan’s exit from the Bond franchise after “Die Another Day,” Rhys was invited to the offices of the Broccoli family to read for a revamped 007 project that would become 2006’s “Casino Royale.”
“I do remember a time just before Daniel [Craig] got it,” Rhys said. “[It was a] very intimidating [office]. We were just told to wear a dark suit and read ‘Casino Royale.'”
Rhys called the audition process “terrifying” and added, “They said, ‘What would you do differently with Bond?’ And I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: “I’ve always boiled it down to there’s something very simplistic to Mason,” Perry Mason star Matthew Rhys admits about the iconic and haunted lawyer he portrays on the HBO prequel series. “It’s not necessarily his sense of justice but sense of right and wrong,” the Emmy winner adds. “What is right and wrong, and how he goes about righting that, righting that wrong, is, at times, very questionable. But fundamentally, his sense of pure form justice is so strong that everything else becomes very difficult, and the playing of that was just magic.”
With the Season 2 finale of the series now steered by Michael Begler and Jack Amiel as showrunners and Team Downey set to drop tonight on the premium cabler and HBO Max, the Americans alumni finds his character in some dramatic territory in and out of court in Depression-era Los Angeles.
Defending the Gallardo...
With the Season 2 finale of the series now steered by Michael Begler and Jack Amiel as showrunners and Team Downey set to drop tonight on the premium cabler and HBO Max, the Americans alumni finds his character in some dramatic territory in and out of court in Depression-era Los Angeles.
Defending the Gallardo...
- 4/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Rhys is looking back on a painful moment from more than 20 years ago.
The “Americans” actor recalled starring opposite Kathleen Turner in a stage performance of “The Graduate.” Turner played Mrs. Robinson while Rhys was cast as Ben Braddock, the future son-in-law she seduces. The play was based on the 1967 Mike Nichols film of the same name.
During the 2000 stage performance, an unauthorized photo of Turner appearing nude onstage leaked to the press.
“I think about that moment so often,” Rhys told U.K.’s The Times of not intervening when the flash went off in the audience. Rhys instead looked to co-star Turner to stop the live show.
“We locked eyes for a second, and because she was such a force and spoke her mind very freely and was very direct and straightforward, I thought, ‘If anyone in this world could stop this production, it would be Kathleen Turner.
The “Americans” actor recalled starring opposite Kathleen Turner in a stage performance of “The Graduate.” Turner played Mrs. Robinson while Rhys was cast as Ben Braddock, the future son-in-law she seduces. The play was based on the 1967 Mike Nichols film of the same name.
During the 2000 stage performance, an unauthorized photo of Turner appearing nude onstage leaked to the press.
“I think about that moment so often,” Rhys told U.K.’s The Times of not intervening when the flash went off in the audience. Rhys instead looked to co-star Turner to stop the live show.
“We locked eyes for a second, and because she was such a force and spoke her mind very freely and was very direct and straightforward, I thought, ‘If anyone in this world could stop this production, it would be Kathleen Turner.
- 4/24/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
For a handsome British actor of a certain age, auditioning to play James Bond is a rite of passage. Another rite of passage: telling one of the countless tales about how he narrowly missed out on the part.
The latest actor to regale fans with an embarrassing story about pursuing the role is Matthew Rhys. In an interview with The Times of London, the Emmy-winning star of “The Americans” recalled being asked to audition for the part that eventually went to Daniel Craig in “Casino Royale.”
Rhys called the experience “very intimidating” and explained that after he read, producers in the room asked him what he would change about the character of James Bond.
“I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question,” Rhys said. “And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything.
The latest actor to regale fans with an embarrassing story about pursuing the role is Matthew Rhys. In an interview with The Times of London, the Emmy-winning star of “The Americans” recalled being asked to audition for the part that eventually went to Daniel Craig in “Casino Royale.”
Rhys called the experience “very intimidating” and explained that after he read, producers in the room asked him what he would change about the character of James Bond.
“I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question,” Rhys said. “And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything.
- 4/22/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Matthew Rhys has added his name to the long list of British actors who, despite their best endeavours, would not be Bond.
The star of Perry Mason and The Americans told The Times of London that he managed to royally mess up his meeting with 007’s producers, back when they were looking for a replacement for Pierce Brosnan.
Rhys told the paper he was invited to their offices in the centre of London – “Very intimidating. We were just told to wear a dark suit and read Casino Royale.”
The producers asked him what he would do differently with the legendary screen character.
Rhys told The Times: “I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything. He’s perfect’?”
And he didn’t think he should say,...
The star of Perry Mason and The Americans told The Times of London that he managed to royally mess up his meeting with 007’s producers, back when they were looking for a replacement for Pierce Brosnan.
Rhys told the paper he was invited to their offices in the centre of London – “Very intimidating. We were just told to wear a dark suit and read Casino Royale.”
The producers asked him what he would do differently with the legendary screen character.
Rhys told The Times: “I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything. He’s perfect’?”
And he didn’t think he should say,...
- 4/22/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Rhys has recalled every excruciating detail of his failed James Bond audition.
The Welsh actor is best known for starring opposite Keri Russell in the hit series The Americans, which ran from 2013 to 2018.
Prior to that, however, Rhys had been considered for the role of 007 following Pierce Brosnan’s exit as the character in 2002’s Die Another Day.
Before Daniel Craig landed the role, Rhys had been invited to the office of the Broccoli family, whose company produces the films.
In a new interview with The Times, the actor recalled the disastrous audition at Eon House, Piccadilly.
Rhys said that he arrived at “this incredible office” that overlooks Hyde Park, calling the venue “very intimidating”.
“We were just told to wear a dark suit and read Casino Royale,” said the actor, adding that the experience was “terrifying”.
Rhys went on to recall how the Broccoli representatives were all sitting...
The Welsh actor is best known for starring opposite Keri Russell in the hit series The Americans, which ran from 2013 to 2018.
Prior to that, however, Rhys had been considered for the role of 007 following Pierce Brosnan’s exit as the character in 2002’s Die Another Day.
Before Daniel Craig landed the role, Rhys had been invited to the office of the Broccoli family, whose company produces the films.
In a new interview with The Times, the actor recalled the disastrous audition at Eon House, Piccadilly.
Rhys said that he arrived at “this incredible office” that overlooks Hyde Park, calling the venue “very intimidating”.
“We were just told to wear a dark suit and read Casino Royale,” said the actor, adding that the experience was “terrifying”.
Rhys went on to recall how the Broccoli representatives were all sitting...
- 4/22/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
Keri Russell’s new role all started — sort of — with Christmas dinner. The actress, who has been extremely selective about her jobs since wrapping the Emmy-winning The Americans in 2018, was in the midst of hosting three sets of grandparents for the holidays when word came in to take a Zoom meeting with Debora Cahn. The writer-producer on The West Wing and Homeland had a new series about a foreign service officer whose career plans are redirected when she’s sent to the London embassy, and she wanted Russell to star.
“I was like, I can’t consider doing a show, I’m cooking for 8,000 people right now,” Russell says, laughing. “We had one family in from Wales, my ex-husband’s in from Martha’s Vineyard and my parents were in from Texas. I tried to say no at first because [the show] didn’t make sense for my life at the time.
“I was like, I can’t consider doing a show, I’m cooking for 8,000 people right now,” Russell says, laughing. “We had one family in from Wales, my ex-husband’s in from Martha’s Vineyard and my parents were in from Texas. I tried to say no at first because [the show] didn’t make sense for my life at the time.
- 4/20/2023
- by Seija Rankin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ed Speleers is taking our screens by storm.
The incredibly talented and humble star tackled two of the most complex roles of his career, roughly around the same time, as You's Rhys Montrose and Star Trek: Picard's Jack Crusher.
To say he has wholly embodied these roles and left fans talking is an understatement. With his incredible work on both series, we're confident that his next fantastic role is just around the corner, even if the charming but modest star sometimes fears the well of opportunity can dry up at any moment.
This star to watch has been on the move and incredibly busy, which makes him feel lucky.
Still, he was gracious enough to hop on the phone with TV Fanatic to chat about landing two massive roles on series with huge fan followings, his love for and approach to his craft, cast camaraderie, and more. Check out our discussion below!
The incredibly talented and humble star tackled two of the most complex roles of his career, roughly around the same time, as You's Rhys Montrose and Star Trek: Picard's Jack Crusher.
To say he has wholly embodied these roles and left fans talking is an understatement. With his incredible work on both series, we're confident that his next fantastic role is just around the corner, even if the charming but modest star sometimes fears the well of opportunity can dry up at any moment.
This star to watch has been on the move and incredibly busy, which makes him feel lucky.
Still, he was gracious enough to hop on the phone with TV Fanatic to chat about landing two massive roles on series with huge fan followings, his love for and approach to his craft, cast camaraderie, and more. Check out our discussion below!
- 4/1/2023
- by Jasmine Blu
- TVfanatic
Back in 2020, HBO took author Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason and gave him the prestige drama treatment. The character, originally created in the 1930s, had already been adapted for film, TV, and radio numerous times in the decades since his novels became popular, but HBO's effort brought him into the streaming age while remaining faithful to his origins. The streamer wisely gave the private detective turned lawyer a harsher, more adult spin, and now, Season 2 of the decidedly gritty "Perry Mason" is upon us. And with season 1 providing a satisfying origin story for Mason, there's plenty of stories left to tell.
But it isn't just the irresistibly uncompromising glimpse under the carapace of 1930s Los Angeles that made this series so compelling. Star Matthew Rhys gives a suitably weary yet layered performance in the lead role that adds much in the way of dimension to the story of a...
But it isn't just the irresistibly uncompromising glimpse under the carapace of 1930s Los Angeles that made this series so compelling. Star Matthew Rhys gives a suitably weary yet layered performance in the lead role that adds much in the way of dimension to the story of a...
- 3/31/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
“Extrapolations” star Matthew Rhys said his role as a ruthless real estate developer on Apple TV+’s climate change drama “stumped” him, saying that it was “depressing to play.”
“I think part of any actor’s job is going to justify what it is the character does — this character stumped me and I found it very difficult,” Rhys told TheWrap. “Ultimately, you can see the greed, you can see the opportunistic elements to him that wants to make money, but to see someone who is very aware of what the situation is, and yet still wants to exploit those opportunities, I found depressing to play.”
In the Apple TV+ drama series, Rhys plays Junior, an out-of-touch real estate developer who does the bidding of tech billionaire Nicholas Bilton (Kit Harrington), traveling via boat amid melted ice caps alongside his girlfriend, Hannah (Heather Graham), to scope out a site for a new casino.
“I think part of any actor’s job is going to justify what it is the character does — this character stumped me and I found it very difficult,” Rhys told TheWrap. “Ultimately, you can see the greed, you can see the opportunistic elements to him that wants to make money, but to see someone who is very aware of what the situation is, and yet still wants to exploit those opportunities, I found depressing to play.”
In the Apple TV+ drama series, Rhys plays Junior, an out-of-touch real estate developer who does the bidding of tech billionaire Nicholas Bilton (Kit Harrington), traveling via boat amid melted ice caps alongside his girlfriend, Hannah (Heather Graham), to scope out a site for a new casino.
- 3/28/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
For nearly a century, defense attorney Perry Mason has been the fictional face of the wrongly accused, a crusader for justice who's determined to clear his clients' names using every trick in the book. The character was first created by author Erle Stanley Gardner, whose works were adapted into a radio show and, eventually, the formative CBS courtroom drama starring Raymond Burr. No matter the circumstances, the Perry Mason of the halcyon days of television could rise to the occasion.
But television has changed a lot since the 1960s, and so has Perry Mason. HBO's reboot of the series, now in its second season, stars Matthew Rhys as a version of the attorney who's both deeply jaded — there's a noirish tone to the updated show — and deeply committed to the cause of justice. A bit like Atticus Finch if he had a death wish and a penchant for dramatic courtroom reveals,...
But television has changed a lot since the 1960s, and so has Perry Mason. HBO's reboot of the series, now in its second season, stars Matthew Rhys as a version of the attorney who's both deeply jaded — there's a noirish tone to the updated show — and deeply committed to the cause of justice. A bit like Atticus Finch if he had a death wish and a penchant for dramatic courtroom reveals,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
When “Perry Mason” debuted on HBO back in 2020, it was meant to be a limited series. But the show was critically acclaimed and extremely popular so now, nearly three years later, it is returning to HBO (and HBO Max) with a juicy new case, lots of morally ambiguous complications and a pair of new showrunners in “The Knick” creators Jack Amiel and Michael Begler.
And Matthew Rhys, who plays Perry Mason in the show, couldn’t be more thrilled, as he told TheWrap, video of which you can watch above.
“There was talk that it could work as a standalone limited but I just thought, You’ve just set this whole thing up. The whole thing is new and fresh. You’ve just joined not only him but this team. Where you go from here, the sky’s the limit. I was very glad that we were given that opportunity,...
And Matthew Rhys, who plays Perry Mason in the show, couldn’t be more thrilled, as he told TheWrap, video of which you can watch above.
“There was talk that it could work as a standalone limited but I just thought, You’ve just set this whole thing up. The whole thing is new and fresh. You’ve just joined not only him but this team. Where you go from here, the sky’s the limit. I was very glad that we were given that opportunity,...
- 3/4/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
When Matthew Rhys signed to play the titular role on HBO‘s Perry Mason as he evolved from a struggling gumshoe to a newly minted defense attorney, he thought it would be one season and done. “Then they came in with a strong idea for a second season and I was very open to it,” the Emmy-winning actor (The Americans) says. “When the first season ended, all in the garden seemed rosy; Della Street (Julia Rylance) was [my partner], Paul Drake (Chris Chalk) was in the firm and it was the three musketeers. But I had no interest in suddenly Perry is this great trial lawyer and every season would be a successful trial. They certainly came in with the antithesis of that!” Below, Rhys pleads his case for Season 2. How much time has passed since we last saw Perry Mason? What’s the firm’s bread and butter? Do they have...
- 3/3/2023
- TV Insider
Season 2 of HBO's "Perry Mason" is set to premiere in mere days, and has gotten strong reviews (including from /Film's Chris Evangelista) as being a slick and stylish follow up to the episodes that came before it. The show takes place in 1930s Los Angeles and stars Matthew Rhys as the titular character, a relatively new lawyer that is flawed in all kinds of ways.
I had the chance to talk with Rhys in the lead up to the season's premiere about what it was like for him to come back to the role after a multi-year hiatus. "Mason is having this crisis of faith to do with his own imposter syndrome. And he's not sure whether he wants to be doing it, whether he's qualified enough to be doing it," Rhys told me about his character. He added later on that the upcoming episodes "takes us in a direction I wasn't expecting,...
I had the chance to talk with Rhys in the lead up to the season's premiere about what it was like for him to come back to the role after a multi-year hiatus. "Mason is having this crisis of faith to do with his own imposter syndrome. And he's not sure whether he wants to be doing it, whether he's qualified enough to be doing it," Rhys told me about his character. He added later on that the upcoming episodes "takes us in a direction I wasn't expecting,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Vanessa Armstrong
- Slash Film
“Doctor Who” showrunner Russell T Davies is set to exec produce a new BBC drama about the first trials for Viagra.
Produced by Quay Street Productions and Boom, “Men Up” tells the story about a trial for the sex drug that took place in Wales in 1994.
“Industry” scribe Matthew Barry is writing the feature-length drama, which is a co-commission with BBC Wales.
Starring in the show are Iwan Rheon (“Game of Thrones”), Aneurin Barnard (“Dunkirk”), Alexandra Roach (“Killing Eve”), Phaldut Sharma (“Sherwood”), Paul Rhys (“A Discovery of Witches”), Steffan Rhodri (“House of the Dragon”), Mark Lewis Jones (“Gangs of London”), Joanna Page (“Gavin & Stacey”), Alexandria Riley (“The Pembrokeshire Murders”), Nathan Sussex (“It’s A Sin”), Lisa Palfrey (“Sex Education”), Dyfan Dwyfor (“A Very English Scandal”) and Katy Wix (“Ghosts”).
Rheon plays Meurig Jenkins who, along with Colin White (Rhodri), Tommy Cadogan (Rhys), Peetham ‘Pete’ Shah (Sharma) and Eddie O’Connor (Jones), is suffering from impotency.
Produced by Quay Street Productions and Boom, “Men Up” tells the story about a trial for the sex drug that took place in Wales in 1994.
“Industry” scribe Matthew Barry is writing the feature-length drama, which is a co-commission with BBC Wales.
Starring in the show are Iwan Rheon (“Game of Thrones”), Aneurin Barnard (“Dunkirk”), Alexandra Roach (“Killing Eve”), Phaldut Sharma (“Sherwood”), Paul Rhys (“A Discovery of Witches”), Steffan Rhodri (“House of the Dragon”), Mark Lewis Jones (“Gangs of London”), Joanna Page (“Gavin & Stacey”), Alexandria Riley (“The Pembrokeshire Murders”), Nathan Sussex (“It’s A Sin”), Lisa Palfrey (“Sex Education”), Dyfan Dwyfor (“A Very English Scandal”) and Katy Wix (“Ghosts”).
Rheon plays Meurig Jenkins who, along with Colin White (Rhodri), Tommy Cadogan (Rhys), Peetham ‘Pete’ Shah (Sharma) and Eddie O’Connor (Jones), is suffering from impotency.
- 3/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Plot: Months after the Dodson case has come to an end, the scion of a powerful oil family is brutally murdered. When the Da goes to the city’s Hoovervilles to pinpoint the most obvious of suspects, Perry, Della, and Paul find themselves at the center of a case that will uncover far reaching conspiracies and force them to reckon with what it truly means to be guilty.
Review: When Perry Mason debuted in 2020, it was as a limited series. The stellar whodunit introduced a new generation to a grittier take on Erle Stanley Gardner’s iconic literary creation previously associated with Raymond Burr’s performance. Matthew Rhys brought a different edge to Mason alongside Juliet Rylance and Chris Chalk as Della Street and Paul Drake. Thanks to critical acclaim, HBO decided to turn Perry Mason into an ongoing series. Three years later, the sophomore run is here with a new case,...
Review: When Perry Mason debuted in 2020, it was as a limited series. The stellar whodunit introduced a new generation to a grittier take on Erle Stanley Gardner’s iconic literary creation previously associated with Raymond Burr’s performance. Matthew Rhys brought a different edge to Mason alongside Juliet Rylance and Chris Chalk as Della Street and Paul Drake. Thanks to critical acclaim, HBO decided to turn Perry Mason into an ongoing series. Three years later, the sophomore run is here with a new case,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Created in the 1930s by Erle Stanley Gardner, Perry Mason has traversed the world of books, film, radio, and TV, only to arrive in the peak TV era in 2020. That adaptation, created by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald, kept the character rooted in the past while also giving him a gritty new outlook. It's likely that if modern audiences remember "Perry Mason" at all, they remember him as the star of stagey courtroom TV dramas; a lawyer who always manages to get the truth out of those he's cross-examining on the stand. But the new Perry Mason, as played by Matthew Rhys, began his first season as a gumshoe; a rumpled private eye caught up in the seedy underbelly of early 1930s Los Angeles. It was only at the end of the show's first season that Mason became a lawyer, rather quickly (he passed the bar after an all-night cram-study...
- 2/27/2023
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
“Despite all your brooding cynicism, you still believe in justice!”
This is Hamilton Burger, personal friend and professional nemesis to the title character of Perry Mason, in the legal drama’s long-delayed second season premiere. The first season occasionally used Burger (played by Justin Kirk) as a mouthpiece for all the ways this take on the character wouldn’t resemble either the Erle Stanley Gardner novels or the black-and-white TV series with Raymond Burr. At one point, for instance, he warned Perry (Matthew Rhys) that “No one confesses on the stand,...
This is Hamilton Burger, personal friend and professional nemesis to the title character of Perry Mason, in the legal drama’s long-delayed second season premiere. The first season occasionally used Burger (played by Justin Kirk) as a mouthpiece for all the ways this take on the character wouldn’t resemble either the Erle Stanley Gardner novels or the black-and-white TV series with Raymond Burr. At one point, for instance, he warned Perry (Matthew Rhys) that “No one confesses on the stand,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
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