'American Crime Story' News, Air Date: Matt Bomer to Direct an Episode of 'Versace'
Matt Bomer has joined the "American Crime Story" family, though not in the way many would expect.
According to TVLine, Bomer has been tapped to direct episode 8 of "American Crime Story: Versace," making this his first directorial effort. For those who are unaware, creator Ryan Murphy frequently collaborates with Bomer. The actor has appeared in many of Murphy's projects, including "American Horror Story" and "Glee."
The new season of "American Crime Story" will tell the story of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace's murder and the resulting manhunt that took place after his death. The role of Gianni is being played by Edgar Ramirez, while Darren Criss brings life to murderer Andrew Cunanan.
Murphy previously talked about the importance of the second season's themes, particularly exploring the homophobia during that time and how it participated in Gianni's death.
"Versace, who was [Andrew Cunanan's] last victim, did not have to die," Murphy said. "One of the reasons [Cunanan] was able to make his way across the country and pick off these victims, many of whom were gay, was because of homophobia at the time."
In September, FX released the second teaser for the new season, officially titled "The Assassination of Gianni Versace." It opens with a grieving woman presumed to be Gianni's sister, Donatella, who is being played by Penelope Cruz. Two well-dressed men open the hearse and bring out the coffin before Donatella lays flowers on top of it.
The season is based on Maureen Orth's book, "Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History." Murphy has said that the season differs from "The People v. O.J. Simpson" in that "Versace" is not set in the courthouse most of the time.
"The Assassination of Gianni Versace" does not have a specific air date as of yet. It is expected to bow in early 2018.