Ryan Murphy’s new TV show repeats a trick from American Horror Story that didn’t always pay off

While American Horror Story the upcoming horror drama from co-creator Ryan Murphy grotesque That sounds interesting, but initial reports prove that Murphy is still struggling with a recurring vice. American Horror StoryThe many seasons of may be very different, but they are united by some common themes. Almost every season features returning cast members and most of them include characters from previous seasons. Most seasons of American Horror Story also contain dark comedic elements and almost all of them involve at least a bit of stunt casting. This was one of the biggest criticisms of American Horror Story: Tender in 2023.

Ironically, Kim Kardashian’s role as Siobhan Corbyn proved to be the least of this season’s problems. However, there’s no denying that bringing the massively famous reality star on board for a lead role despite her lack of acting experience was a sign of desperation. Previous seasons have also seen Lady Gaga, Patti LuPone and Macaulay Culkin on board. Many of these stunt castings worked well and their characters became highlights of their respective seasons. Yet the impulse is still an attention-grabbing one that illustrates a lack of confidence in the quality of the show’s material.

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Ryan Murphy’s Grotesque continues American Horror Story’s stunt-casting trick

Travis Kelce plays a role in the upcoming horror series

Unfortunately, the first news about Ryan Murphy’s upcoming horror drama grotesque proves that the manufacturer has not avoided this problem. Grotesque’The cast list includes Niece Nash-Betts, Lesley Manville, Courtney B. Vance, Raven Goodwin and Travis Kelce. If any of these names stand out, there is a good reason. Nash-Betts is a screen legend known for Renault 911 and a prominent supporting role in Murphy’s earlier series Scream Queens but more recently she impressed critics in Murphy’s successful crime drama Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Vance has appeared in countless classic films since the 1980s.

Since he starred in Murphy’s hit in 2016 The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story and the horror drama of 2020 Lovecraft LandVance is an obvious choice for grotesque. Raven Goodwin’s role in Single black womanhas, meanwhile, proven that she has Murphy’s typical blend of camp and melodramatic horror down pat. And then there’s Kelce, best known as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and boyfriend of Taylor Swift. Although he appeared as himself in one episode of the short-lived sitcom Moonrise 8Kelce is far from being a recognized actor.

Casting the stunts for “American Horror Story” was not without problems

Grotesqueries stunt casting doesn’t necessarily have to ruin Ryan Murphy’s new show

Even American Horror StoryThe worst seasons of didn’t recruit their stars from the NFL, but that doesn’t mean the show’s history of stunt casting is without its problems. While the performers themselves, from Kardashian to Culkin, are often great, their storylines usually go nowhere. As early as Season 2 asylum, American Horror Story introduced a character played by legendary ’90s star Chloe Sevigny, only to quickly kill her off before she could make an impression. In Season 3, Stevie Nicks appeared as herself in a scene that was as confusing as it was unnecessary.

It is no surprise that American Horror Storybest season in years, 1984the show’s penchant for stunt casting was largely avoided. While the previous season wasted screen time with unnecessary supporting characters, 1984 offered viewers a more focused, less chaotic story. grotesque should give priority to his story over his headline-grabbing stunt castingbut Kelce’s presence on the show’s cast list does not bode well in that regard. From Jim Brown to Terry Crews, there is a long history of NFL players who have proven to be excellent screen talents. However, it is hard to argue that Kelce’s fame has not been instrumental in his grotesque Pour.

Ryan Murphy’s new horror show still sounds exciting

The premise of Grotesquerie sounds like a mix of True Detective and American Horror Story

American Horror StoryThe stunt cast was sometimes successful, but this usually happened despite the show’s best efforts. American Horror Story: Tender has promoted Kardashian’s presence so strongly that it was almost surprising that the season’s pacing turned out to be a bigger problem than its inexperienced star. Likewise, American Horror Story: Hotel The waste of great characters was a bigger problem than the decision to cast Lady Gaga in a supporting role. grotesque still sounds fascinating.

grotesqueThe story of a disturbed detective who teams up with a nun to solve a series of gruesome crimes is reminiscent of the 2014 series. True Detective Season 1. Murphy might be able to pull off this dark show’s blend of Southern Gothic and cosmic horror, but only if the producer focuses on the story rather than novelty value. If Kelce’s role fits well into the larger world of grotesquehis casting might not prove to be a problem in the end. American Horror StoryThe story of proves that Ryan Murphy does not necessarily have a good track record grotesque even begins.

grotesque

Pour

Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville

Seasons

1

Streaming service(s)

Hulu