Ryan Murphy Says Creating Grotesquerie Was “Very Different” Than Previous Horror Outings

Ryan Murphy Says Creating Grotesquerie Was "Very Different" Than Previous Horror Outings

As a devoted fan of Ryan Murphy’s captivating works, I can confidently say that his latest masterpiece, “Grotesquerie,” has undeniably left me spellbound. The intricate blend of horror, religion, crime, and family dynamics is nothing short of mesmerizing, making it a remarkable addition to Murphy’s already impressive portfolio.


Ryan Murphy, an accomplished author and producer, recently unveiled his new series titled “Grotesquerie“. This creation represents a blend of the familiar and the innovative for Murphy, as it signifies his reentry into the horror genre, a domain he has previously explored in shows like “Scream Queens” and “American Horror Story“. However, unlike his previous works, “Grotesquerie” delves deeper into themes of religion, crime investigations, family struggles, and intricate plots.

The TV show titled “Grotesquerie,” which debuted on FX on September 25, 2024, for a ten-episode run, features Niecy Nash-Betts as Detective Lois Tryon. She is tasked with unraveling a string of peculiar, violent crimes in her hometown. Alongside Nash-Betts, the cast includes Micaela Diamond portraying Sister Megan, a nun and journalist; Lesley Manville in the enigmatic role of Nurse Redd; Courtney B. Vance as Lois’s husband Marshall; Raven Goodwin playing their daughter Merritt; and Travis Kelce in an undisclosed character. At a recent press conference with Murphy and the cast, the producer shared insights into the conception and casting of “Grotesquerie,” explaining how it differs from his previous works.

Grotesquerie Featured A Small Writer’s Room And Major Actor Involvement

Ryan Murphy Says Creating Grotesquerie Was "Very Different" Than Previous Horror Outings

Murphy emphasized that the writing stage was distinct when discussing how creating “Grotesquerie” contrasted with his work on “American Horror Story” and “Scream Queens”. The endeavor featured a compact team of writers, with him collaborating closely with Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken. Additionally, Nash-Betts and Vance, who served as executive producers, were also part of the Tryon family cast.

Murphy shared that during his experience, there were three individuals present, and he was penning something deeply meaningful to him, reflecting his perspective on current global events – making it distinct from other occasions. Throughout multiple seasons of American Horror Story, Murphy traveled through various time periods, spanning as far back as the Lost Colony of Roanoke and reaching into the 1980s New York City. In contrast, Grotesquerie is set in the contemporary era and delves into pressing issues, notably exploring the impact of religion and family dynamics on everyday life.

Ryan Murphy Could Tailor Roles Specifically To The Actors He Wanted

Ryan Murphy Says Creating Grotesquerie Was "Very Different" Than Previous Horror Outings

One way to rephrase this is: Another point emphasized by Murphy is that he could customize roles to better suit the talents of each actor and collaborated extensively with them to build their characters more profoundly. He mentioned Lesley Manville, Micaela Diamond, and Niecy Nash-Betts as performers he had long anticipated working alongside. Specifically, he was thrilled about crafting the character of Nurse Redd for the talented actress, Lesley Manville.

To fully understand the skills of the actors I was collaborating with and bring out what I envisioned as a fan, I prepared multiple drafts for each script. This approach was distinct because I tailored the roles to suit these particular actors based on their suggestions, preferences, and feedback. In other words, I customized those parts specifically for them.

Murphy shared that he found greater creativity in crafting “Grotesquerie” since his standing as a writer and producer was more secure. With a multitude of successful shows under his belt, such as “Nip/Tuck,” “Glee,” “9-1-1,” and numerous others, he felt liberated to experiment with his writing and directing approach for this latest project. Excited about the artistic journey, Murphy beamed, gesturing towards the cast members nearby, and stated, “At this stage in my career, I’m all about the process.

“I came at
Grotesquerie
from a fanboy approach. It was very rewarding. I loved doing it.”

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2024-09-29 15:33