Matthew Rhys has an unusual idea for bringing his Widow’s Bay character into the world of Keri Russell’s The Diplomat. The actor says he would happily appear in the Netflix political thriller while also imagining Russell visiting his supernatural Apple TV+ series.
The idea is not an announced crossover or an upcoming storyline. Instead, it comes from Rhys’ enthusiasm for The Diplomat and his long creative history with Russell, his former co-star on The Americans. Still, the concept is intriguing because the two shows could hardly be more different.
Matthew Rhys Would Love to Join The Diplomat
Rhys recently discussed the possibility of working on The Diplomat and made it clear that he would be interested if the opportunity arose.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rhys praised creator and showrunner Debora Cahn’s writing. He specifically highlighted the show’s dry and intelligent sense of humour, which he sees as something it shares with Widow’s Bay creator Katie Dippold’s work.
That makes Rhys’ crossover idea more than a random fan fantasy. The actor has a genuine appreciation for the creative team behind the Netflix series.
However, there is currently no official announcement that Rhys will appear in The Diplomat.
Could Keri Russell Visit Widow’s Bay?
The other half of Rhys’ idea is arguably even more entertaining.
Russell could potentially bring her The Diplomat character, Kate Wyler, into the strange setting of Widow’s Bay. Kate is an experienced U.S. diplomat who regularly deals with international crises, political pressure and high-stakes negotiations.
Tom Loftis, played by Rhys, has a very different problem.
He is the mayor of a fictional New England island trying to improve its fortunes while dealing with the supernatural dangers surrounding the community. Apple TV’s series mixes horror and comedy, making Tom an unlikely person to find himself anywhere near an international diplomatic crisis.
That contrast is exactly what could make the idea work as comedy.
A G7-Style Event Could Connect the Two Shows
Rhys has imagined an international political gathering as a possible way to bring the two fictional worlds together.
A major summit or G7-style event could provide a reason for Kate Wyler to travel to Widow’s Bay. At the same time, Tom could suddenly find himself responsible for hosting or managing an event far beyond his usual responsibilities.
The scenario would create an obvious clash of personalities.
Kate is trained to handle diplomats, governments and international emergencies. Tom is trying to keep his island community running while increasingly bizarre supernatural problems threaten his plans.
Adding other The Diplomat characters could make the situation even more chaotic. Rufus Sewell’s Hal Wyler, for example, could add another layer of political and personal complications.
For now, though, this remains Rhys’ idea rather than a confirmed story.
Rhys and Russell Already Have a Major TV Connection
There is another reason the crossover conversation has attracted attention: Rhys and Russell already know what it is like to share a television series.
The pair starred as Philip and Elizabeth Jennings in FX’s acclaimed drama The Americans. Their performances helped make the spy drama one of the most memorable television series of its era.
Their professional relationship later developed into a long-term personal relationship, but their shared television history is the key connection when considering a potential reunion on screen.
Russell has since become closely associated with Kate Wyler in The Diplomat, while Rhys has moved into a very different genre with Widow’s Bay.
That makes a reunion especially appealing to viewers who remember them from The Americans.
The Diplomat Is Already Moving Into Its Next Chapter
The crossover idea comes at an interesting time for The Diplomat.
Netflix’s official information confirms that the political thriller has three seasons available, with Russell returning as Kate Wyler. The third season expands the show’s political stakes as Kate navigates a dramatically changed power structure.
The series is also scheduled to return for Season 4 on October 15, 2026. Current reports indicate that Russell will again lead the series as Kate.
So, even though Rhys’ crossover suggestion is not part of the announced plans, The Diplomat remains an active and expanding franchise.
Widow’s Bay Season 2 Is Officially Happening
Rhys also has another reason to think about where Tom Loftis could go next.
Apple TV renewed Widow’s Bay for a second season in June 2026. The series follows Tom as he attempts to revive his struggling island community while confronting the secrets and supernatural forces surrounding it.
The renewal gives the show’s creative team an opportunity to explore more of Tom’s personality and the mythology established in Season 1.
Rhys has also spoken about possible directions for the character, including putting Tom in situations that challenge him in unexpected ways. The actor’s interest in boats and the show’s coastal setting have also influenced some of the conversation around Tom’s future.
Still, viewers should separate those ideas from confirmed Season 2 information. Apple has renewed the series, but Rhys’ personal suggestions should not be treated as official plot details.
Why a Widow’s Bay and The Diplomat Crossover Would Be Difficult
There is one major practical obstacle: the shows belong to different streaming services.
Widow’s Bay is an Apple TV+ production, while The Diplomat is a Netflix series. A genuine crossover would therefore require cooperation between two separate companies, along with the producers and creative teams involved with both shows.
That makes an official crossover difficult, even if the actors and audiences like the idea.
There is also the question of tone. The Diplomat is a political thriller built around international affairs and personal relationships. Widow’s Bay is a supernatural horror-comedy about a troubled island community.
The difference could make a crossover hilarious, but it would also require a convincing reason for Kate Wyler to enter Tom Loftis’ world.
What Matthew Rhys’ Idea Really Means for Fans
For now, there is no confirmed The Diplomat and Widow’s Bay crossover.
What Rhys has actually offered is an enthusiastic idea about working with Russell again and exploring the comedic possibilities of putting their very different characters in the same fictional situation.
That distinction matters. A comment from an actor is not the same as a casting announcement, production order or storyline confirmation.
Still, the timing is interesting. Widow’s Bay has been renewed for Season 2, while The Diplomat continues with its next chapter. Rhys and Russell also remain two actors with an established on-screen history.
Whether they reunite as Philip and Elizabeth-style partners, completely different characters, or even Tom Loftis and Kate Wyler remains unknown.
For now, fans will have to settle for imagining what happens when an overwhelmed small-town mayor meets one of television’s most capable diplomats.
And honestly, that sounds like one very strange summit.