Get ready for a thrilling tale of inspiration and a unique glimpse into Welsh culture! The Beast in Me, a new Netflix series, showcases the incredible talent of Matthew Rhys, who draws upon the legendary Anthony Hopkins for his chilling performance.
Rhys, a fellow Welshman and Emmy winner, takes on the role of Nile Jarvis, a property tycoon, in this Hitchcock-inspired thriller. But here's where it gets controversial... Rhys openly admits to drawing inspiration from Hopkins' iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, Rhys shared how this classic film influenced his approach to the character. He quipped, "If you're going to steal, steal from the best. And I stole a lot from Anthony Hopkins."
But Rhys' connection to Wales goes beyond just acting. When asked about Welsh traditions, he revealed some unique family practices. From insisting on leek and lamb feasts to a quirky leek-eating competition on March 1st, Rhys keeps his Welsh roots alive. He even joked about putting coal in his children's Christmas stockings, a luxury item in Wales!
And this is the part most people miss... Rhys also shared a beautiful, practical gesture of Welsh romance. He crafted a Celtic love spoon for his partner, Keri Russell, as a birthday gift. A true testament to the unique traditions of his homeland.
But it's not all about food and crafts. Rhys also delved into some intriguing Welsh customs related to livestock. He described the 'Mari Lwyd' tradition, where a horse's head is draped with a cloak on New Year's Eve. A bold statement indeed!
Rhys' connection to Wales runs deep. He recently returned to his homeland for a national tour, playing the iconic Richard Burton in a one-man show.
So, what do you think? Is it inspiring to see actors draw upon legendary performances for their craft? Or is it a controversial move? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
