Isabella Rossellini has officially joined the cast of Ryan Murphy's upcoming FX series, The Beauty, marking another milestone for the acclaimed actress. Renowned for her performances in classics such as Blue Velvet and earning accolades for her recent role as Sister Agnes in Conclave, Rossellini's involvement injects significant star power and intrigue to this highly anticipated adaptation.
According to reports by Variety, Rossellini will take on the role of a recurring guest star. Her addition to the series aligns with FX's strategy of assembling a diverse and talented ensemble cast. This impressive lineup already features Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, and Rebecca Hall, who will portray complex characters within the show's compelling narrative.
The Beauty, co-created and executive produced by Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, is based on the much-discussed comic book series of the same name by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. This 11-episode show dives deep as it explores the darker sides of society’s obsession with outward beauty. The comic sets the stage with thought-provoking questions: “Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could become more and more beautiful every day? What if it was a sexually transmitted disease?”
The comic narrative suggests physical perfection is attainable, yet it soon reveals the harrowing consequences tied to such beauty. The story's protagonists, Detectives Foster and Vaughn, find themselves surrounded by the ominous truths of this increasingly popular phenomenon.
Ryan Murphy has shared his thematic inspirations with audiences, drawing connections to the overarching themes present in his earlier works like Nip/Tuck and American Horror Story. "I've always written about beauty culture... What would you do for love? What would you do for beauty? What would you do for money?" Murphy asserted, indicating the depth of psychological and societal themes he aims to explore through The Beauty.
Setting this project apart, Murphy hints at its scale and ambition, comparing The Beauty to popular epics such as Game of Thrones. He emphasized, "I've never done anything this big. I'm casting all the other female parts now, but we're going all over the world next year to make it. It's going to be fun.” The filming process is expected to be expansive and involved, showcasing various international backdrops to enrich the narrative.
Although character and plot details are still tightly under wraps, interest continues to build as casting decisions and executive production teams are finalized. The series will be produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television, ensuring high production values and engaging storytelling.
Beyond her recent work, Rossellini's extensive career has included acclaimed performances and numerous accolades, such as her nomination for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Conclave and prior recognition with nominations for HBO's Crime of the Century. With her storied history, Rossellini brings both gravitas and intrigue to her role, promising to captivate audiences when the show premieres.
Fans of the comic book series and Ryan Murphy's established repertoire are eagerly anticipating the narrative's exploration of beauty and its social ramifications. The Beauty holds the potential to resonate with viewers on multiple levels—delving not only deep within the lip service to physical appearance but also tackling the emotional upheaval surrounding love, beauty, and the price paid for desired aesthetics.
The anticipation continues to grow as The Beauty gears up for its premiere, inviting creators, actors, and fans to ponder the endless questions it proposes about societal norms and the lengths we go to pursue beauty. With Rossellini lending her talents to this project, it surely promises to be one of the standout series of the upcoming year.