Matthew Rhys To Headline ‘Wyrd’ Drama Based On Comic In Works At FX From Sheldon Turner

EXCLUSIVE: Emmy-winning The Americans star Matthew Rhys is returning to FX as the lead and executive producer of Wyrd, a drama inspired by the Dark Horse comic. The project, which is in development at the Disney-owned cable network, hails from Sheldon Turner (Up In the Air), Vendetta Prods., FX Prods. and 20th Television.

Written by Turner, Wyrd is the story of the ultimate immigrant, an extraterrestrial in exile. It centers on Wyrd (Rhys) who was sent to earth in an attempt to better understand humanity. When his people don’t come back for him, he’s forced to assimilate – all while investigating paranormal activity and searching for a way home.

Rhys executive produces alongside his The Americans co-star and real-life partner Keri Russell. Turner and Jennifer Klein executive produce via their Vendetta Productions alongside Mike Richardson, Keith Goldberg and Chris Tongue for Dark Horse.

The four-issue Wyrd book series, created by Curt Pires and Antonio Fuso, was launched in 2019. Described by Dark Horse as “James Bond meets The X-Files,” it follows Pitor Wyrd, a seemingly invincible, never-aging private detective who is all too happy to help out with matters out of the ordinary… for the right cost.

Rhys won a Lead Actor in a Drama Series Emmy for his role as Philip Jennings on FX’s acclaimed Cold War drama The Americans. Rhys plays the title character in HBO’s Perry Mason drama series reboot, which has been renewed for a second season, and he also starred opposite Tom Hanks in the feature A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood. He is repped by United Agents and Anonymous Content.

Wyrd stem from Vendetta’s overall deal at 20th TV. Turner and Klein recently signed a first-look television development and production deal with A+E Studios. Vendetta Productions is currently developing The Star Chamber for Amazon, a dramatic thriller inspired by the 1983 Michael Douglas film of the same name. Turner’s feature credits include Up in the Air, for which he was nominated for an Oscar, X-Men: First Class, and Straight Outta Compton.