Ryan Murphy to Adapt Bret Easton Ellis’ “The Shards” for FX

In the realm of television adaptations, few names resonate as powerfully as Ryan Murphy, and his latest undertaking is generating significant buzz. Murphy, in collaboration with FX, is diving into the early stages of developing a series based on Bret Easton Ellis’ 2023 horror novel, “The Shards.” This exciting project not only brings together a celebrated creator and a renowned author but also promises to deliver a chilling narrative set against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles.

What Is “The Shards” About?

“The Shards” is a semi-autobiographical horror novel that intricately weaves the tale of a fictional serial killer with Ellis’ own upbringing. The narrative follows 17-year-old Bret, who is navigating the complexities of life as a senior at the prestigious Buckley prep school. The plot thickens when a new student, Robert Mallory, enters the scene. Charismatic yet enigmatic, Mallory hides a dark secret that draws Bret and his tight-knit group of friends closer—but not without consequences.

As the story unfolds, Bret becomes increasingly obsessed with Mallory while also being haunted by the presence of a local serial killer known as the Trawler. The tension escalates as the Trawler’s horrific acts of violence seem to edge ever closer to Bret, blurring the lines between reality and Bret’s vivid imagination. It’s a gripping exploration of obsession, identity, and the darker sides of youth, reflecting Ellis’ unique storytelling flair.

For those unfamiliar with Bret Easton Ellis, he has made a name for himself as a provocative author since the release of his first novel, “Less Than Zero” in 1985. He’s best known for “American Psycho,” a chilling and controversial narrative that was later adapted into a film in 2000. His body of work—including titles like “The Rules of Attraction” and “Glamorama”—has cemented his status as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

A Stellar Cast and Crew

Joining Ryan Murphy in bringing “The Shards” to life is Kaia Gerber, who has previously collaborated with him on the acclaimed series “American Horror Story” and “American Horror Stories.” Gerber is not only a rising star in Hollywood but also the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, adding an intriguing dynamic to her emerging career. Her recent roles in productions such as “Bottoms” and “Palm Royale” showcase her versatility and ambition as an actress.

In addition to Gerber, Max Winkler is set to direct the series. Winkler has previously lent his talents to several Murphy projects including “The Watcher” and “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” His experience with both tone and character-driven narratives makes him an excellent fit for this adaptation, promising a visually compelling and psychologically intense series.

The Future of Ryan Murphy’s Projects

Should “The Shards” receive the green light, it would join an impressive roster of upcoming projects from Ryan Murphy’s overall deal with Disney. This fall, audiences can look forward to his Kim Kardashian-led legal drama “All’s Fair” premiering on Hulu. Additionally, ABC is set to unveil the “9-1-1” spinoff, “9-1-1 Nashville.” Other FX projects in the pipeline include “American Love Story,” which chronicles the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and the body horror series “The Beauty.”

Murphy’s ability to weave together complex narratives with compelling characters makes his adaptations highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. As he embarks on this latest project, the question remains—how will he translate Ellis’ haunting literary voice into the vibrant medium of television?

Conclusion

Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of “The Shards” represents a bold and ambitious venture into the genre of horror while honoring the intricate narrative style that Bret Easton Ellis is known for. With a talented cast and experienced crew on board, this series is set to stir curiosity and provoke thought. As we await further developments, it’s clear that Murphy’s commitment to storytelling continues to push boundaries in contemporary television.

For more insights into Ryan Murphy’s previous works, check out our deep dives into American Horror Story and American Love Story. If you’re interested in exploring Bret Easton Ellis’ literary contributions, take a look at our exploration of American Psycho.