The first season of American Crime Story, which focused on the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder case, was a bona fide sensation. Its star-studded cast and splashy take on the "Trial of the Century" proved a boon for showrunner Ryan Murphy. The biggest question after the first season's finale: What could possibly come next?
The answer was the murder of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace.
When the subject of season two was announced, many were surprised. The 1997 killing of Gianni Versace was a shock, yet the case does not call to mind the same media frenzy of the O.J. Simpson trial. However, the first trailer, released this week, promises an equally lurid, entrancing show.
Darren Criss (Glee) is set to play Versace’s killer, Andrew Cunanan. By the trailer alone, this looks like a star turn for the young actor. Cunanan is creepily capable of changing his looks, outlook, needs, and desires.
RELATED: 25 Books About the World’s Most Famous Serial Killers
The series is based on Maureen Orth's true crime book, Vulgar Favors: the Assassination of Gianni Versace. Unlike "The People vs. O.J. Simpson," it appears that "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" will focus on the killer’s actual crimes, not a court case or litigation. Murdering Versace was just one of Cunanan’s crimes upon his arrival in Miami, where he had managed to quickly integrate himself into the gay community.
Boasting stars like Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, and more, this season of American Crime Story promises to be a treat—especially for true crime fiends looking for an under-discussed case. Check out the trailer below, and the first episode on FX on Wednesday, January 17.
Feature still via FX
