Ryan Murphy's "The Shards" Lands Evan Rachel Wood & Wes Bentley for FX

Ryan Murphy's upcoming FX series, an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's "The Shards," just added some serious star power with Emmy-nominee Evan Rachel Wood and "Yellowstone" favorite Wes Bentley joining the cast.

TL;DR

• Ryan Murphy's FX series "The Shards" is bulking up its cast, adding acclaimed actors Evan Rachel Wood and Wes Bentley.
• The show is a dark coming-of-age thriller set in 1981 Los Angeles, based on Bret Easton Ellis's semi-autobiographical novel about a prep school and a serial killer.
• Wood joins in a recurring, undisclosed role, while Bentley will play Terry, the father of Hayes Warner's character, Debbie.

Get Ready for a Dark Ride: Ryan Murphy's "The Shards" Adds Major Stars

Big news for fans of dark thrillers and powerhouse acting! Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind hits like "American Horror Story" and "Dahmer," is bringing Bret Easton Ellis's acclaimed 2023 novel, "The Shards," to FX as a series. And the cast just got even more exciting with the additions of Evan Rachel Wood and Wes Bentley.

If you're into psychological twists, 80s nostalgia, and a good old-fashioned serial killer mystery, you're going to want to pay attention. This show sounds like it's going to hit all those thrilling, unsettling notes that Murphy and Ellis are famous for.

Unraveling the Sinister Story of "The Shards" and Its 1980s Setting

So, what exactly is "The Shards" all about? Imagine the glamorous, yet often dark, underbelly of 1981 Los Angeles. Our story centers on 17-year-old Bret (played by Igby Rigney), who's navigating his final year at the super-exclusive Buckley prep school. This is a semi-autobiographical tale for author Bret Easton Ellis, so expect some deep dives into his teenage psyche.

But things get seriously shaken up with the arrival of a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere). His unsettling presence isn't just a coincidence; it lines up perfectly with the terrifying activities of a serial killer known as "The Trawler," who's targeting teens in the area. The novel, and presumably the series, delves into themes of paranoia, obsession, fear, and the complexities of growing up amidst creeping dread.

Evan Rachel Wood Reunites with Ryan Murphy in a Mysterious Role

It's always exciting when a director and an actor with a proven track record team up again, and that's exactly what's happening with Evan Rachel Wood and Ryan Murphy. They previously worked together on the 2006 film "Running with Scissors," and now Wood is set to take on a recurring role in "The Shards."

While details about her specific character are being kept tightly under wraps, Wood's talent speaks for itself. She's an Emmy nominee for her iconic performance as Dolores in HBO's "Westworld," where she showcased incredible range in a complex, often dark, narrative. She also earned a Critics Choice Award for that role and Golden Globe/Emmy nominations for "Mildred Pierce." Knowing Murphy's penchant for crafting intense and memorable characters, whatever role Wood steps into, you can bet it'll be a standout.

Wes Bentley Jumps from Dutton Ranch to L.A. Prep School Intrigue

Another fantastic addition is Wes Bentley, who many will recognize as the tormented Jamie Dutton from the incredibly popular "Yellowstone." After five seasons of high-stakes ranch drama, Bentley is trading the wide-open spaces for the claustrophobic halls of Buckley prep, and it's another reunion for him and Ryan Murphy.

Bentley has previously appeared in three seasons of Murphy's "American Horror Story" franchise ("Freak Show," "Hotel," and "Roanoke"), so he's no stranger to Murphy's unique brand of horror and psychological drama. In "The Shards," Bentley will play Terry, the father of Debbie, a character portrayed by Hayes Warner. Given his ability to portray conflicted and intense characters, Bentley is a perfect fit for the dark world of "The Shards."

Rounding Out the Elite Cast of Ryan Murphy's Latest FX Series

Beyond these two major additions, "The Shards" boasts an impressive ensemble cast ready to bring Ellis's terrifying vision to life. Here's a quick look at some of the other talented actors you'll see:

• Kaia Gerber: Known for "Bottoms" and "American Horror Story."
• Igby Rigney: Who played Kevin in "Midnight Mass," will step into the shoes of young Bret.
• Homer Gere: Seen in "Euphoria," will portray the mysterious new student Robert Mallory.
• Graham Campbell: From "Late Fame," taking on the role of Thom.
• Hayes Warner: Will play Debbie, whose father Terry is played by Wes Bentley.

This mix of seasoned actors and rising stars promises a dynamic and captivating ensemble that will undoubtedly heighten the tension and drama of the series.

The Creative Forces Behind Bringing This Dark Novel to Life

Bringing a story as intricate and unsettling as "The Shards" to the screen requires a powerhouse creative team, and Ryan Murphy has assembled just that. Murphy himself is executive producing via Ryan Murphy Productions, and given his history, you can expect a show that is visually stunning, intensely dramatic, and perhaps a little controversial.

Author Bret Easton Ellis is also on board as an executive producer, which is fantastic news for fans of the novel, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the source material's chilling essence. Max Winkler, who previously directed "The Ed Gein Story" (another Murphy-produced project), is attached to direct and will also serve as an executive producer. Rounding out the executive producer team are Nick Hall, Kathleen McCaffrey, and Brian Young. The series is being produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Productions.

Why "The Shards" Could Be Your Next Must-Watch Thriller

So, why should "The Shards" be on your radar? Well, it's a potent cocktail of elements that often make for compelling television. You have the unique literary voice of Bret Easton Ellis, blended with Ryan Murphy's distinctive stylistic approach to dark, character-driven narratives. The 1980s Los Angeles setting offers a rich backdrop, full of era-specific glamour and a palpable sense of danger before the digital age made the world feel smaller.

It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in a prep school drama, with the terrifying layer of a serial killer stalking the city. This combination promises a show that's not just about jump scares but delves deep into the psychological impact of fear, obsession, and the secrets people keep. While Murphy's projects can sometimes get mixed critical reviews (like "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"), they almost always spark conversation and capture an audience, and "The Shards" sounds like it will be no exception.

With an already impressive cast and a compelling premise, this FX series has all the ingredients to be a gripping and unforgettable watch. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates!

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Ryan Murphy's "The Shards"

What is Ryan Murphy's "The Shards" about?

"The Shards" is a dark, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age thriller set in 1981 Los Angeles. It follows 17-year-old Bret during his final year at an elite prep school, where the arrival of a mysterious new student coincides with a serial killer known as "The Trawler" terrorizing the city.

Who is starring in the FX series "The Shards"?

The cast for "The Shards" includes Evan Rachel Wood, Wes Bentley, Kaia Gerber, Igby Rigney (as Bret), Homer Gere (as Robert Mallory), Graham Campbell (as Thom), and Hayes Warner (as Debbie). Bentley will play Terry, Debbie's father.

When and where will "The Shards" be released?

"The Shards" is coming soon to FX. A specific premiere date has not been announced yet, so stay tuned for updates!

Is "The Shards" based on a true story?

"The Shards" is based on Bret Easton Ellis's 2023 novel, which is described as a semi-autobiographical tale. While it incorporates details from Ellis's upbringing, the story, particularly the serial killer "The Trawler," is fictional.

Sources

• Deadline
• Variety
• ScreenRant
• HorrorFuel.com
• CinemaBlend