The newly crowned “Sexiest Man Alive” and a former star of The Americans are joining forces in a new series for Prime Video. The Wrap reports that John Krasinski (A Quiet Place) and Matthew Rhys will star in the new psychological thriller, Silent River for the streaming platform. The show will focus on the cracks of small-town America when a serial killer is discovered to be living in the community and will be told through the eyes of the two leading actors.
The new show was ordered by Amazon MGM for Prime Video. The official logline for the series states that the two main characters’ lives are more connected than they seem. The show is created by Aaron Rabin, who is also co-executive producer on the Krasinski-led Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series. Rabin will also be an executive producer on the show. Krasinski, Rhys, Allyson Seeger, and Alexa Ginsburg are producing for Sunday Night. Krasinski will direct the pilot episode of the series. Additionally, Andrew Bernstein will direct and executive produce.
Amazon MGM Studios Head Comments on Silent River
“We are thrilled to continue our work with John Krasinski, Allyson Seeger, and Sunday Night on this gripping series which delves into the mysteries and secrets of small-town America,” said Amazon MGM Studios Television Head Vernon Sanders in a statement. “With John and Matthew Rhys attached to star in this wonderful story from Aaron Rabin, our global customers will be on the edge of their seats throughout this thought-provoking, psychological thriller.”
The A Quiet Place Director Reacts to His “Sexy” Title
Krasinski was recently named the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine and when he heard the news he thought the announcement was a joke. The former The Office star said he had “zero thoughts” when he first found out about the title. “Other than maybe I’m being punk’d. And after that yeah, it was just a full surreality. That’s not how I wake up usually thinking, ‘Is this the day that I’ll be asked to be the Sexiest Man Alive?’” he said. “And yet, it was the day.”
Rhys Was Up for the Role of James Bond
Rhys starred in 75 episodes of The Americans with Keri Russell, of which all six seasons are currently streaming on Hulu. He also co-starred with Tom Hanks in 2019’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In 2023, the actor said in an interview that he was on a shortlist to play James Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale. The part eventually went to Daniel Craig. Rhys said he lost out on the job because of a joke.
In a previous interview, Rhys said meeting with the production team was “very intimidating” and it was his response to how his take on Bond would be unique that made him lose out on the job. “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?” Rhys said. He joked that he’d “give him a limp. I said, ‘Limp?’ Nothing. ‘Eye patch?’ Nothing.”
There has been no announcement on when production for the new Silent River series will start.