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Ryan Murphy hints at extending ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’
New developments spark potential continuation
Ryan Murphy, the creative force behind Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” has hinted at the possibility of extending the series. Although a second season isn’t currently planned, recent legal developments could inspire additional episodes.
Legal proceedings and new evidence
A court hearing has been scheduled for Erik and Lyle Menendez as Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón reviews new evidence suggesting the brothers were molested by their father. This revelation has opened the door for Murphy to consider further exploring their story.
“I think what I would be interested in doing, if Nicholas [Alexander Chavez] and Cooper [Koch] would agree to do it, is maybe one or two episodes that continue the story,” Murphy shared.
The impact of ‘Monsters’
Chavez and Koch portray Lyle and Erik Menendez, respectively, in the series, which delves into their conviction and life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The show has reignited public interest in the case, potentially influencing Gascón’s decision to reexamine the evidence.
Public advocacy and celebrity involvement
Following Gascón’s announcement, Kim Kardashian published an essay advocating for the brothers’ release. Kardashian, along with Koch, visited the Menendez brothers in prison, further amplifying the case’s visibility.
Murphy, who co-created “Monsters” with Ian Brennan, revealed that Kardashian was shown the series before its Netflix premiere. “She knew a lot about the case, and she grew up with it,” Murphy said. “But she didn’t know about a lot of the sexual abuse, and she immediately became very interested in helping them.”
The power of television
Murphy emphasized the role of television in shedding light on overlooked issues. “So many people are now interested in the case, and it speaks to me about the power of television and what it can do. It can shine a spotlight on something and illuminate dark corners,” he noted.
Initially, Murphy was hesitant to become an advocate for the Menendez brothers. “I believe in justice, but I don’t believe in being a part of that machine,” he stated. “My job as an artist was to tell a perspective in a particular story. I feel I’ve done that, but I wish them well.”
Unexpected advocacy
Despite his initial reservations, Murphy has found himself an unexpected advocate due to the show’s popularity and its potential influence on legal proceedings. “We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion. Basically, we did give them a platform,” Murphy said. “I think they can be out of prison by Christmas. I really believe that.”
Criticism and family reactions
The series has not been without its critics. Erik Menendez released a statement through his wife criticizing Murphy, and several family members have also spoken out against the show. “The thing that’s kind of painful is that the family was so outrageously against the show and spoke out so vociferously against it. But then the thing that they thought would hurt them is actually helping them,” Murphy reflected. “That doesn’t feel so great.”
Future of ’Monsters’
Murphy recently announced that “Monsters” Season 3 will feature Charlie Hunnam as the 1950s serial killer Ed Gein. He is also considering more contemporary stories for future seasons. “It’s dangerous, yet exhilarating, to tackle things that are current,” Murphy said. “As I told you earlier, I was never interested in the Menendez brothers. What I was interested in was the sexual abuse angle. That was always the thing that I was obsessed with. The fact that it’s obviously resonated with people, and people think that those facts should have been admissible in that second trial, is fascinating to me.”
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