The next Donatella Versace is here—for television, that is. After much speculation as to who will play the famed Italian fashion designer for Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story, FX officially confirmed that Oscar winner Penélope Cruz has been cast in the role. The mini-series will focus on the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace, brother of Donatella. Edgar Ramirez will be playing the role of Gianni, with Darren Criss signed on to act as serial killer Andrew Cunanan. This will be the third season of the series.
There was, at first, speculation that Lady Gaga was offered the role of Donatella, though they were never substantiated claims. At the Television Critics Association press tour last year, Murphy attempted to shut down the rumors by saying of Gaga: “She’s a friend. But she’s very busy this next year—she’s doing Super Bowl and then she’s doing A Star Is Born and I believe that she’s going on tour. And when you’re going to do a show like Versace, it’s a five-month commitment, it’s a very big show, we’re shooting it all over the world. So I just don’t think with her schedule, I knew that it would never have worked. But I would love to work with her on something in the future.”
Gaga is, of course, not only a friend but also a partner, as she has appeared on both seasons five and six of Murphy’s American Horror Story (both Hotel as well as Roanoke, respectively.) Because of their previous working relationship, it seemed plausible that Gaga would be cast as Donatella in his newest project. What’s more, the singer also has a personal relationship with the designer, sitting front row at many of her fashion shows, having been a onetime face of the brand during the spring season of 2014, and even naming a song after the designer on her Artpop album.
As for Cruz, this is one of her first regular television roles, having acted mostly in feature films, to date. While the actress may not have the personal relationship with her subject that Gaga possesses, her Oscar award-winning skill will surely make her a perfect pick for the role.
