At the New York debut of Ryan Murphy’s Halloween venture for FX, the night was charged with anticipation. The psychological crime thriller, titled “Grotesquerie,” stars the dynamic Niecy Nash-Betts and the esteemed Courtney B. Vance. Yet, Dana Walden, Disney Entertainment’s co-chair, swiftly shifted the spotlight to an unexpected figure in her opening remarks. Barely a sentence into her speech, Walden leaned into the buzz surrounding a certain NFL superstar.
“On behalf of everyone at Disney, I’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome,” Walden began. “We’re elated about this show, and — I’m not sure if you’ve caught wind of it — but there’s someone particularly special making his acting debut tonight: Travis Kelce.”
Though Kelce wasn’t in attendance, his mother, Donna Kelce, graciously stood as his representative, drawing applause from the crowd before the formal introductions of the cast and creative team.
“Grotesquerie” unfolds as a chilling tapestry, weaving elements of violent crime, grotesque imagery, and psychological unease, all characteristic of Murphy’s intricate storytelling. This macabre murder mystery, peppered with social dysfunction, religious overtones, and psychosexual tension, plays out against a backdrop of celebrity allure. Kelce’s role? A bed nurse, exuding charm laced with a hint of suggestiveness. As expected, his presence dominated the evening’s conversations.
“It wouldn’t be as notable if he weren’t so genuinely kind,” remarked Vance, who serves as both cast member and executive producer. “But he’s truly a great guy. His casting benefits everyone. Ryan knows how to harness the power of publicity like no one else.”
Before the night’s screening, Murphy teased the audience with a glimpse into the chaotic world of “Grotesquerie,” offering an introduction to the show’s third episode, which marks Kelce’s first appearance.
“There’s a deranged serial killer on the prowl,” Murphy began. “Niecy plays a detective who’s just about had enough. She’s battling alcoholism and, on top of that, her husband, played by Courtney B. Vance, is in a COVID-induced coma. She doesn’t want him to wake up. Enter Lesley Manville, who’s eager to gain power of attorney so she can keep giving him sponge baths. All of this is true,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
As the plot unravels, Micaela Diamond steps into the fray as a crime-obsessed nun, documenting the case for the local media. Her superior, portrayed by Nicholas Alexander Chavez, doubles as both a priest and an enthusiastic Peloton instructor. In true Murphy fashion, the show is a whirlwind of contradictions and dark humor.
Given Murphy’s penchant for celebrity and the strategic use of fame in his work, it’s hardly surprising that Kelce landed a multi-episode arc in “Grotesquerie.” Murphy, after all, has always used stardom as a tool, often reflecting society’s obsession with fame. The rabid attention surrounding Kelce, not to mention his much-discussed connection to Taylor Swift, becomes yet another instrument in Murphy’s hands.
As co-creator Jon Robin Baitz succinctly put it, “Television thrives on guest appearances. Our episodes, much like appetizers, come in small, bite-sized portions that keep audiences engaged. The revolving door of guest stars is part of that allure.”
Baitz, who inked a five-year deal with 20th Television following his work on Murphy’s “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans,” shared insights into the creative process behind “Grotesquerie.” He and Murphy had long been discussing the state of the world, specifically the darkness that had crept into the global consciousness post-pandemic. “We wanted to capture that sense of unraveling — the feeling that society itself was fraying at the edges. ‘Grotesquerie’ is a reflection of that zeitgeist.”
At its core, “Grotesquerie” is quintessential Murphy: a mirrored reflection of our world, where fame is both spectacle and sustenance, akin to the Romans’ bread and circuses. And if this fall, Murphy serves up Kelce as a seductive hospital attendant, then perhaps that’s exactly what we deserve.
In a moment of light-hearted reflection, Baitz paused and noted, “This was Ryan’s brainchild. And well, Travis Kelce’s mom is standing right behind me.”
Donna Kelce, who continued to embrace her growing internet fame with poise, fielded questions about her son’s new venture and, of course, the persistent Taylor Swift buzz. Speaking about her son’s foray into acting, she wasn’t surprised by his ambitions.
“I always knew this was something he wanted to do, and I’ve seen how he can manifest his goals,” she told Variety. “He’s fearless. He’s not afraid to try something new, and failure doesn’t intimidate him.”
As she prepared to watch her son’s performance for the first time that evening, she imparted a bit of motherly wisdom. “As parents, there’s always a temptation to step in and fix things. But sometimes, it’s more valuable to let your children stumble. They learn more from their mistakes. If this is truly something he’s passionate about, I believe he’ll only continue to improve.”