In an exciting development for television enthusiasts, visionary producer Ryan Murphy is set to redefine suspense storytelling with his upcoming FX series based on Bret Easton Ellis’s latest novel, The Shards. This adaptation features Kaia Gerber, widely recognized for her captivating performances in American Horror Story, bringing a fresh perspective to Ellis’s intricate narrative of self-discovery and eeriness.
At the helm of this eagerly anticipated project is director Max Winkler, a seasoned talent familiar with Murphy’s aesthetic. Winkler has previously showcased his directorial prowess in celebrated series such as American Horror Story, American Horror Stories, The Watcher, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and Grotesquerie. His extensive background ensures that The Shards will deliver both compelling storytelling and visual engagement.
The narrative of The Shards centers around a semi-autobiographical journey following 17-year-old Ellis as he navigates his final year at Buckley Prep School. The plot thickens with the arrival of Robert Mallory, a new student whose presence stirs suspicions in Ellis—particularly as local rumors swirl around a serial killer known as The Trawler. Initially released as a serialized audiobook on Ellis’s Patreon in 2020, this riveting story has transformed into a complete novel published in 2023, adding layers of anticipation to its television adaptation.
Before finding its new home at FX, The Shards was poised for development at HBO, where it attracted the attention of renowned directors such as Luca Guadagnino (Challengers) and Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario). There were even whispers of Jacob Elordi, fresh off his success in Saltburn, being eyed for a leading role. However, the project encountered significant roadblocks due to creative differences, eventually leading to its departure from HBO.
Ellis shared his frustrations with the initial HBO endeavor, stating, “We were deeply invested in The Shards at HBO for nearly nine months, but parting ways became a frustrating ordeal. What we envisioned was stifled by changing dynamics at Warner Bros.,” he explained in an interview with World of Reel. “The vision we sold was not aligned anymore, and it felt disheartening.”
He expressed a deeply personal stake in maintaining the project’s vision: “I was not only eager for it to be made, but I also wanted it to resonate with my standards of excellence. I felt let down by the creative direction it was taking, ultimately feeling the previous months were a waste. I vowed to never go down that road again.” This strong commitment to his artistic values hints at a vibrant and ambitious narrative under Winkler’s guidance.
