A new Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Monster) series has been ordered by FX, continuing under his deal with Disney, according to Deadline. The star-studded drama, The Beauty, will star familiar Murphy collaborators Evan Peters (American Horror Story) and Jeremy Pope (Hollywood) alongside newcomers to his projects Ashton Kutcher (That 70’s Show) and Anthony Ramos (Twisters).
The Beauty is being written and co-created by Murphy and Matt Hodgson (Glee, American Sports Story). The series will be based on the comic book series of the same name, with production slated to begin this fall. Although not much is known about the project, in true Murphy fashion, Deadline has included information about the story’s inspiration, “The 2016 graphic novel The Beauty is about an STD that makes those affected beautiful. But the disease, dubbed “the Beauty,” eventually kills its hosts as part of suspected sinister government plot. The main characters in the comics are detectives Drew Foster and Kara Vaughn, partners on beauty crime cases who have to find their way past corrupt politicians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads,” according to Deadline.
Deadline reports that the series adaptation may also be a “two-hander” with a not-yet-cast female lead. Though it is still under speculation, the actress will most likely play Vaughn with one of the other leading men playing Foster – with Peters being the likely favorite for the male lead. Kutcher has speculations about the character he is playing and is thought to be portraying a tech billionaire in the series.
Buzz around The Beauty began in June when Peters was set to star and executive produce the project. In August, the latter stated cast members were also added to the project, or at least in negotiation to start. These casting announcements, however, were made before the recent arrest of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, which has put a negative spotlight on Kutcher, who had a long-time relationship with him.
The series does not yet have an official release date. However, the 11-episode series will likely begin filming in November, so fans will not have to wait long for another highly anticipated Murphy drama.