Actors Kerri Russell (L) and Matthew Rhys pose during a photocall for the television series "The Americans"
IN PHOTO: Actors Kerri Russell (L) and Matthew Rhys pose during a photocall for the television series "The Americans" during the annual MIPCOM television programme market in Cannes, southeastern France, October 8, 2012. The International film and programme market for TV, video, cable and satellite (MIPCOM) opens from October 8 to October 11 on the French Riviera. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard Reuters/Eric Gaillard

Known for his role as KGB agent Philip Jennings in FX period drama series, “The Americans” star Matthew Rhys talks about his new medieval role in Kurt Sutter’s post “Sons of Anarchy” series “The Bastard Executioner.” The Welsh actor is set to play a guest role in the show’s pilot episode as Gruffudd Y Blaidd, a leader of Welsh rebels, alongside Australian theatre actor Lee Jones as Wilkin Brattle for the lead.

Set to start filming in April, Rhys is looking forward to head back to Wales to join Sutter and the rest of the cast for FX upcoming medieval drama. “The Bastard Executioner” follows a former knight who is “broken by the ravages of war and vows to lay down his sword. But when that violence finds again he is forced to pick the bloodiest sword of all.”

“The fact that something of this size and caliber is being filmed in Wales, and they’re not just using its location as a backdrop — the series itself is set in Wales, and it’s taking a lot from Welsh history,” Rhys told Yahoo! when asked about filming in Wales. “Purely and simply, just to be able to use my own native accent is a real luxury.”

The 40-year-old star admitted that the show has been tight-lipped about the script and plot, and there is no guarantee about him keeping his role. He revealed that his performance to the pilot and how the pilot will be received would determine his place in the show.

Showrunner Kurt Sutter and executive producer Paris Barclay started shooting the #TBX pilot in Wales on March 19, as the show will be filmed alternately between England and Wales. One particular set for the show is the battle-worn Caerphilly Castle, a medieval fortification constructed by Gilbert de Clare.

Set for Fall 2015 release, “The Bastard Executioner” also features an ensemble cast including its series creator as The Dark Mute, a man who rarely speaks or show his face. “True Blood” hunk Stephen Moyer joins the cast as the street smart and noble savvy Milus Corbett and “Sons of Anarchy” actress Katey Sagal as mystical and beautiful Annora of the Alders.

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