Ryan Murphy is back to bless us with another show!
The Shards is Murphy’s most recent project, a new series adapted from the famous Bret Easton Ellis‘ thriller novel of the same name. The FX show is a semi-autobiographical take on Ellis’ life in the early ’80s and follows this version of his younger self and his life at an affluent Los Angeles prep school.
If you’re aware with any of Ellis’ work, then you should expect the unexpected. After all, the American Psycho writer will always give us a good old-fashioned mystery. Bret’s life is turned upside down when Robert, a new student arrives to his school. Robert quickly becomes one of the most popular guys in school. In a scary turn of events, Bret has reason to believes Robert is The Trawler, an unknown criminal on the loose targeting girls in Los Angeles.
This sounds like the perfect Murphy project. A series that combines his signature camp with the unique ’80s aesthetic. From the looks of it, The Shards is sure to be a massive hit for FX.
Since the show features a massive ensemble, DECIDER is here to break down every familiar face you should look for as you’re watching.
Photo: FX
Starring in the lead role as the fictional version of the critically-acclaimed author, Igby Rigney plays the ambitious protagonist. Bret dreams of being a writer, but has some doubts about his future. When he suspects Robert is The Trawler, he is forced to confront who he truly is and what the future may bring.
Rigney starred in Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Want to learn more? Follow Igby Rigney on Instagram @igby.rigney.
Pari Dukovic/FX
Nepo alert! If you can’t place where you’ve seen Homer Gere’s face, it’s because he’s the son of Richard Gere. In the show, Gere plays Robert, the mysterious new student. Gere gets to show off his acting chops as he plays the complex, popular guy who infiltrates Bret’s life.
This is Gere’s first major role, but he appeared in four episodes of Euphoria season 3.
Pari Dukovic/FX
Graham Campbell plays the pivotal role of Thom Wright, the charming and practically perfect high school boy. Wright seems to have the dream life: popularity, a girlfriend, and the world in the palm of his hand. Wright’s life will change when Robert’s arrival threatens to destroy his high school bubble.
Campbell is making a name for himself, previously starring in the Willem Dafoe-led independent film Late Fame.
Want to learn more? Follow Graham Campbell on Instagram @grahamedwardcampbell.
Photo: FX
Kaia Gerber is following her mother Cindy Crawford’s footsteps. In this project, Gerber gets to play Susan Reynolds, the most popular cheerleader in the entire school. Everything is perfect for Reynolds, until Robert’s presence changes her entire world.
Gerber has had supporting roles in Bottoms and Babylon.
Want to learn more? Follow Kaia Gerber on Instagram @kaiagerber.
Pari Dukovic/FX
Hayes Warner plays Debbie Schaffer, Susan’s best friend wants more for herself. Schaffer feels trapped by her romantic relationship with Bret and best friend status with Susan. Schaffer will go on a journey of finding the freedom she’s been missing all her life.
Warner is known for her music career as a pop star. This is her first foray into the world of acting!
Want to learn more? Follow Hayes Warner on Instagram @hayeswarner.
Pari Dukovic/FX
Wes Bentley gets to inhabit the role of Terry Schaffer, Debbie’s father. Schaffer is quite the intimidating character, a Hollywood movie producer who oozes with danger and power in 1980s Los Angeles.
Bentley rose to fame with his role in American Beauty and went on to star in The Hunger Games.
Pari Dukovic/FX
Evan Rachel Wood is gracing our screens once again? Rachel Wood is making her return to TV playing Liz Schaffer, Terry’s wife and Debbie’s mother, who once longed to be famous. Now, Schaffer lives a miserable life, constantly trying to one up her husband and daughter.
Rachel Wood starred in the iconic HBO series Westworld and the brilliant miniseries Mildred Pierce.
Want to learn more? Follow Evan Rachel Wood on Instagram @evanrachelwood.
Jordan Roth as Steven Reinhardt
Pari Dukovic/FX
Jordan Roth plays Steven Reinhardt, Terry’s extremely secretive assistant. Reinhardt enjoys hearing the truth behind the glitz and the glamour of Los Angeles, and is always taking note of everyones’ secrets.
Roth is a Tony-nominated Broadway producer making his acting debut!
Want to learn more? Follow Jordan Roth on Instagram @jordan_roth.
