Netflix’s true crime anthology series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, is back with a gripping new installment. Following the massive success of DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, the second season titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is set to delve into the infamous case of the Menendez brothers. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming series.
Release Date
Mark your calendars! Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is scheduled to premiere on Netflix globally on September 19, 2024. Fans of true crime and courtroom dramas won’t want to miss this highly anticipated release.
Plot
The show focuses on Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their upscale Beverly Hills home back in 1989. At the time, Lyle was 21, and Erik was just 18. While the brothers claimed they were acting out of self-defense after years of suffering from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents, the prosecution argued that the killings were motivated by greed and a desire to inherit their parents’ fortune.
Much of the series will take place in the courtroom, highlighting the highly publicized trial that captured the nation’s attention. The trial’s dramatic twists and turns will be brought to life, providing viewers with an in-depth look at the legal battles and media frenzy that surrounded the case.
Trailer
Cast
The cast lineup is pretty exciting, featuring a mix of established actors and fresh faces:
- Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez: Koch, known for They/Them and Swallowed, steps into this major role.
- Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez: You might recognize Chavez from General Hospital where he played Spencer Cassadine.
- Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez: The Oscar-winning actor (No Country for Old Men) takes on the role of the Menendez brothers’ father.
- Chloë Sevigny as Kitty Menendez: Sevigny, known for American Horror Story, portrays the brothers’ mother.
- Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne: The Tony-winning actor from The Birdcage will play the famous journalist.
- Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson: Graynor plays Erik Menendez’s defense attorney, Leslie Abramson, who became a key figure in the trial.
Production Details and Leaks
Like many recent productions, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story faced some delays due to the Hollywood strikes, but filming eventually kicked off in December 2023 and wrapped up by February 2024. Most of the shooting took place in various parts of Los Angeles, keeping the setting authentic to the events.
The series will consist of nine episodes, each crafted by a skilled team of directors, including Carl Franklin, Paris Barclay, and Michael Uppendahl. The writing team, led by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, also includes David McMillan and others, ensuring that every episode is packed with drama and intensity.
Conclusion
If DAHMER left you fascinated, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is bound to pull you in with its deep dive into one of America’s most infamous cases. From the compelling plot to the standout cast, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for September 19, 2024, and get ready for a gripping true crime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story be released?
The series will be released on Netflix globally on September 19, 2024.
What is the plot of the series?
The series focuses on the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. It will explore their claims of abuse and the subsequent highly publicized trial.
Who is in the cast?
The cast includes Cooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Nathan Lane, Ari Graynor, Leslie Grossman, Dallas Roberts, Jason Butler Harner, Enrique Murciano, Michael Gladis, and more.
Who are the directors and writers?
The series features directors Carl Franklin, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, and Max Winkler, with writing led by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.
Will there be a third season of Monsters?
Yes, Netflix has confirmed a third season, which is expected to cover the case of John Wayne Gacy.