Ryan Murphy Considering Extra 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' Episodes Amid Controversy Over Impact on Case Review

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ICARO Media Group
Entertainment
04/10/2024 17h29

**Ryan Murphy Considers Additional Episodes for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as Case Review Unfolds**

Ryan Murphy, the creator behind the Netflix series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," is contemplating the addition of extra episodes, depending on real-life developments in the Menendez brothers' case. This consideration follows an announcement from Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who revealed that new evidence is being reviewed to determine if Lyle and Erik Menendez should continue serving their life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents.

During their 1993 trial, the brothers' defense teams argued that they acted in self-defense, claiming years of abuse by their parents, José and Mary Louise Menendez. Recent weeks have seen these allegations gaining renewed attention, thanks to the investigative work of journalist Robert Rand and his book "The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family and the Killings that Stunned the Nation," which will soon be re-released with significant updates. This resurgence of interest is also partly due to the depiction of events in Murphy's series and an essay penned by Kim Kardashian, a prison reform advocate, following her visit with the brothers in prison.

Murphy, in an interview with Variety, expressed interest in extending the series if actors Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch agree to reprise their roles. "I think what I would be interested in doing, if Nicholas and Cooper would agree to do it, is maybe one or two episodes that continue the story," Murphy stated.

Despite Erik Menendez's criticisms of the series as a "dishonest portrayal," Murphy acknowledged the potential role his work might play in influencing public opinion and possibly aiding in the brothers' resentencing. "We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion. Basically, we did give them a platform," Murphy commented. He even expressed optimism about their possible release, speculating, "I think they can be out of prison by Christmas. I really believe that."

However, opinions vary on whether the series positively impacted the brothers' case. Some believe the additional attention has done more harm than good, suggesting that Murphy should step back. The intersection of entertainment and real-life judicial proceedings continues to open debates on the ethics and impacts of dramatized portrayals.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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