The Murder of Versace

BY: Zak Wojnar

Ryan Murphy is one of the most prolific television producers working today. Between Glee, American Horror Story, and Feud, Murphy’s shows consistently deliver the juiciest drama on TV. But as much as we love the young adult antics of Glee, the pulpy insanity of American Horror Story, or the batshit insane dramedy of Feud, our favorite Murphy show has to be American Crime Story.

Unlike Murphy’s other programs, American Crime Story is a straightforward true-crime drama which uses dramatization to get to the truth behind controversial crimes in modern history. The first season, The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, about the infamous murder trial of O.J. Simpson, earned rave reviews and a slew of Emmy and Golden Globe wins.

Next up for the series is The Assassination of Gianni Versace, which will explore the tragic and unexpected murder of the fashion icon by a crazed serial killer. For a recent cover story, Entertainment Weekly took a deep dive into the world of the show, and interviewed its stars.

Edgar Ramirez is the spitting image of Gianni himself, while Darren Criss is dangerously convincing as the killer, Andrew Cunanan. Lady Gaga had previously been rumored for the role of Gianni’s sister and designer, Donatella Versace, but, after seeing Penelope Cruz as the over-the-top fashionista, it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Finally, even though it’s been nearly 20 years since he first rocked our world with his mega-hit single, “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” Ricky Martin hasn’t aged a day; he looks as dreamy as ever here, as Versace‘s boyfriend, Antonio D’Amico.

This Versace-themed entry into Murphy’s pantheon of television could be his greatest yet; it combines the over-the-top theatricality of the Italian fashion world with the dangerous tension of a grisly murder mystery, while (hopefully) never losing sight of the human emotion at the core of any great drama.

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace will air in early 2018 on FX.