‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson’ Finds its Johnnie Cochran

Each ‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson’ casting has proven more ridiculous than its predecessor, but Ryan Murphy’s new FX anthology series may yet have a sensible heart. Courtney B. Vance, husband to ‘American Horror Story’’s Angela Bassett, will attempt to don the gloves as Simpson’s famous lawyer Johnnie Cochran, according to reports.

The 10-episode miniseries follows Jeffrey Toobin book ‘The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson,’ with episodes written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, and directed by Ryan Murphy. Produced by Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk and Dante Di Loretto, so reads the official synopsis for the new series, which begins production this year:

‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson’ is a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers that explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution confidence, defense wiliness, and the LAPD’s history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

Also taking over the role of Miles Dyson in the upcoming ‘Terminator: Genisys,’ Vance joins a cast that includes John Travolta as Robert Shapiro, David Schwimmer as lawyer Robert Kardashian, Cuba Gooding Jr. as the titular criminal, and Sarah Paulson as prosecuting attorney Marcia Clark. Keeping to the ‘American Horror Story’ model, subsequent seasons will follow another headline-making real-world crime, though it’s unclear if the series would reuse cast members, like its predecessor.

Rumors had previously suggested that Samuel L. Jackson might have been eyed for the role, but what say you? Does ‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson’ seem like Ryan Murphy’s most insane FX creation to date? What other castings might follow that of Courtney B. Vance, and what other crimes would you like to see the ‘American Crime Story’ franchise tackle in future seasons?