Yahoo News Severance star to play notorious serial killer in new show
Severance star Michael Chernus has landed the titular role in a new drama series.
According to Deadline, the actor is set to play John Wayne Gacy, one of America's most notorious serial killers. Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will highlight Gacy's horrific crimes and the investigation that led to his capture during the 1970s.
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The series will focus on the 33 young men who were kidnapped, murdered and buried beneath Gacy's house. It will also shine a light on how Gacy went undetected for years due to his charm, humour, volunteer work with children and secure standing in society.
Chernus shared that he was "both excited and humbled" by his new role. "The direction that the writers are taking with this project is important, focusing on the victims and their families as well as those who finally brought John Wayne Gacy to justice," he said.
The actor went on to explain why telling this story was so important to him, particularly focusing on the victims and societal prejudices that contributed to the harrowing events.
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"While Gacy was the perpetrator of these horrific crimes, I'm relieved that he won't be the main focus of the series.
"It's heartbreaking for me to think of what his victims (all young men and boys) could have done with their lives had the system not failed them so tragically. I believe in the power of storytelling and hope that by telling this story, in a thoughtful way, we can play some part in preventing this from ever happening again."
Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy was inspired by the 2021 docuseries John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise. Patrick Macmanus, known for his work on true crime series, will serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the upcoming scripted series.
Severance is available to watch now on Apple TV+.
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