Ryan Murphy’s New TV Show Repeats An American Horror Story Trick That Didn’t Always Pay Off

While American Horror Story co-creator Ryan Murphy’s upcoming horror drama Grotesquerie sounds intriguing, its earliest reports prove Murphy is still struggling with a recurring vice. American Horror Story’s many seasons might be very different, but they are united by a few common themes. Almost every season features recurring cast members and most of them include characters from earlier seasons. Most seasons of American Horror Story also feature darkly comedic elements and almost all of them include at least a little stunt casting. This was one of the biggest criticisms leveled at American Horror Story: Delicate in 2023.

Ironically, Kim Kardashian’s role as Siobhan Corbyn turned out to be the least of that season’s problems. However, there is no denying that bringing the uber-famous reality star on board in a major role, despite her lack of acting experience, smacked of desperation. Similarly, earlier seasons brought the likes of Lady Gaga, Patti LuPone, and Macaulay Culkin on board. Many of these instances of stunt casting turned out well, with their characters becoming highlights of their respective seasons. That said, the impulse remains an attention-grabbing one that highlights a lack of faith in the quality of the show’s material.

Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie Continues American Horror Story’s Stunt Casting Trick

Travis Kelce Plays A Role In The Upcoming Horror Series

Unfortunately, the earliest news from Ryan Murphy’s upcoming horror drama Grotesquerie proves the producer hasn’t sidestepped this issue. Grotesquerie’s cast list includes Niece Nash-Betts, Lesley Manville, Courtney B. Vance, Raven Goodwin, and Travis Kelce. If one of those names stood out, there’s a good reason for that. Nash-Betts is a screen legend who is well known for Reno 911 and a stellar supporting role in Murphy’s earlier series Scream Queens but, more recently, she impressed critics in Murphy’s hit true crime drama Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Vance has appeared in countless classic movies since the 1980s.

Since he starred in Murphy’s 2016 hit The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story and 2020’s horror drama Lovecraft Country, Vance is an obvious choice for Grotesquerie. Raven Goodwin’s role in Single Black Female, meanwhile, proved she can nail Murphy’s signature blend of camp and melodramatic horror. Then there is Kelce, best known as the tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs and the boyfriend of Taylor Swift. Although he did appear as himself in one episode of the short-lived sitcom Moonrise 8, Kelce is far from a recognized actor.

American Horror Story’s Stunt Castings Haven’t Been Without Problems

Grotesquerie’s Stunt Casting Won’t Necessarily Sink Ryan Murphy’s New Show

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

It is no surprise that American Horror Story‘s best season in years, 1984, largely avoided the show’s penchant for stunt casting. Where the previous season wasted screen time on unnecessary supporting characters, 1984 offered viewers a more focused, less messy story. Grotesquerie should prioritize its story over its headline-grabbing stunt casting, but Kelce’s presence on the show’s cast list doesn’t bode well in this regard. From Jim Brown to Terry Crews, there is a long history of NFL players proving to be superb screen talents. However, it is hard to argue that Kelce’s fame wasn’t instrumental in his Grotesquerie casting.

Ryan Murphy’s New Horror Show Still Sounds Exciting

Grotesquerie’s Premise Sounds Like True Detective Meets American Horror Story

American Horror Story’s stunt casting sometimes succeeded, but this was usually despite the show’s best efforts. American Horror Story: Delicate promoted Kardashian’s presence so heavily that it was almost surprising when the season’s pacing proved a bigger issue than its inexperienced star. Similarly, American Horror Story: Hotel wasting great characters was more of a problem than the decision to cast Lady Gaga in a bit part. As such, Grotesquerie does still sound intriguing.

Grotesquerie’s story of a troubled detective teaming up with a nun to solve a series of gruesome crimes sounds reminiscent of 2014’s True Detective season 1. Murphy might be able to pull off that grim show’s blend of Southern Gothic and cosmic horror, but only if the producer focuses on its story over novelty value. If Kelce’s role is well integrated into the larger world of Grotesquerie, his casting may not prove an issue after all. However, American Horror Story’s history proves that Ryan Murphy doesn’t necessarily have a good track record before Grotesquerie even begins.

Grotesquerie

Cast

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

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu