‘American Crime Story’ Already Working on Monica Lewinsky Season
We were surprised enough when FX confirmed that Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story was already plotting a third season around the murder of Gianni Versace, but get ready for Season 4! Yes, even with Season 2's Katrina-based season delayed to 2018, Ryan Murphy is already plotting a season around the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, a Lewinsky season isn’t necessarily nailed down as the Emmy-winning anthology’s fourth season, though Murphy has officially optioned Jeffrey Toobin’s book A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President. Toobin’s The Run of His Life book served as inspiration for The People v. O.J. Simpson, while Murphy is reportedly already meeting actresses to portray Lewinsky and Linda Tripp to fast-track the drama.
For those unfamiliar with the scandal (before the 2016 election dragged it kicking and screaming back to the limelight), Lewinsky alleged having sexual relations with President Bill Clinton during 1995 and 1997. Clinton famously denied the allegations at first, the resulting investigation of which led to impeachment hearings, and charges of perjury and abuse of power.
American Crime Story Season 2 will draw its Katrina inspiration from Douglas Brinkley’s The Great Deluge, also potentially expanding its run as 13-15 episodes. Sarah Paulson is confirmed to return, but few others just yet, while FX intends to air Seasons 2 and 3 within six months of one another.
Season 3 will follow the July 1997 murder of Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan, who committed suicide eight days later as police closed in. Its first two episodes written by Tom Rob Smith, the season will be based on Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth’s book Vulgar Favors. Fortunately, Lady Gaga will not be playing Donatella Versace.
It could be time yet before we know the exact shape of future American Crime Story seasons, but when might we expect casting for Monica Lewinsky?