‘The Shards’ a Go at FX; Ryan Murphy Series Based on Bret Easton Ellis Novel Casts Three Leads

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A television show inspired by Bret Easton Ellis‘ book “The Shards” and produced by Ryan Murphy has been officially confirmed for broadcast on FX.

A Disney-owned channel has acquired the project, which FX started developing in May with Kaia Gerber set as the lead actress. Joining her will be Igby Rigney (from ‘The Midnight Club’), Homer Gere, and Graham Campbell, who are also part of the cast.

In 2020-21, Ellis initially published “The Shards” as a serialized audiobook through his podcast. The printed version was released in early 2023. Earlier, a series adaptation based on the book had been planned at HBO, but it didn’t progress beyond development stages. However, things changed with Murphy: As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in February, discussions started between Ellis and Murphy to develop the project under Ryan Murphy Television (which operates under 20th TV), with 20th TV set to produce the FX show.

The story “The Shards” unfolds in the early ’80s and incorporates some personal experiences from Ellis’ life. It revolves around Bret (Rigney), a student at an exclusive L.A. private school, whose life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of enigmatic newcomer Robert Mallory (Gere), happening concurrently with a series of grisly murders by a serial killer. In this narrative, Campbell, known for his role in “Appropriate” on Broadway, portrays Thom Wright, one of Bret’s close companions.

Despite receiving the greenlight from FX, The Shards hasn’t secured a writer as of now. Murphy and Ellis are slated to serve as executive producers, along with Max Winkler (also the director), Nick Hall, Kathleen McCaffrey, and Brian Young.

Campbell is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content and Jackoway Austen.

Deadline first reported the news.

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2025-07-16 21:54