Grotesquerie Cast Talks Black Women In Horror, Philosophical Visions, and Travis Kelce’s Acting Debut
Grotesquerie, a 10-episode drama series from creator Ryan Murphy, blends horror, mystery, and a deep exploration of human nature. The series stars Niecy Nash-Betts as Detective Lois Tryon, a woman haunted by personal demons while investigating a terrifying crime spree. Featuring a stellar cast – including Courtney B. Vance, Raven Goodwin, and Lesley Manville – the show promises a fresh philosophical take on horror.
During a virtual press conference, the stars of Grotesquerie, alongside co-creator Ryan Murphy, discussed the significance of Black women in horror, the show’s existential themes, and Travis Kelce’s acting debut. The cast also shared insights into the unique dynamics they brought to their characters, each contributing to the show’s eerie and complex world.
Niecy Nash-Betts, who has collaborated with Murphy on Scream Queens and her Emmy winning role in Dahmer, emphasized the rarity of Black women leading horror roles. Historically, the genre has overlooked women of color and Nash-Betts is eager to shift that narrative. “I’m grateful for Ryan because this opportunity, especially in this genre, is not typically led by Black women,” she said, as she also discussed the cathartic overlap between horror and comedy, noting the emotional depth both genres offer. “People who can make you laugh can make you cry, but the reverse is not always true.”
This duality, she added, allows her to bring a layered performance to her role as Lois, a character grappling with trauma while confronting both supernatural and human evils. Her portrayal of Lois is central to Grotesquerie’s exploration of horror, not just as a spectacle but as a mirror to personal societal struggles. Her character’s strength lies in her ability to navigate between the dark forces threatening her town and the emotional toll of her strained family life.
Ryan Murphy, the show’s co-creator and executive producer, revealed that Grotesquerie is deeply reflective of modern anxieties. “It's a meditation on what I think is going on in the world,” he explained, offering a glimpse into the philosophical underpinnings that shape the show. “Are these the end times? And if so, what can we do to fight and keep our humanity?” He emphasized the blend of horror, crime procedural, and family drama, which creates an eclectic viewing experience. “The show plays with reality and time, constantly challenging the viewer’s expectations,” Murphy teased, adding that Grotesquerie’s twists and turns would keep audiences on edge every week.
Courtney B. Vance, who plays Lois’ husband Marshall Tryon, echoed Murphy’s sentiments, stating that the horror within the show reflects familial tensions as much as external threats. “The real horror is in our family,” he said, highlighting the personal stakes woven into the supernatural narrative.
Lesley Manville embraces a character who straddles the line between nurturing and sinister with Nurse Redd. She described the creative freedom she felt while playing the character, who, while not directly involved in the crimes, carries her own mysterious weight. “She’s an extraordinary character. I don’t want to get out of bed and play the same character every week,” Manville said. “I want to play people who are different and Redd ticked all the boxes.” Her portrayal contrasts the supernatural horrors with her character’s internal complexity.
Micaela Diamond added a layer of religious horror to the show. Reflecting on the iconic genre of “nuns in horror,” Diamond shared how playing Sister Megan Duval allowed her to explore themes of purity, corruption, and human fallibility. “Nuns are often seen as pure and innocent, but they can also be corrupt and hypocritical,” she explained. “Grotesquerie cracks open the question of what happens when even those devoted to good struggle with evil.” Her character adds a moral and philosophical layer to the show, as Sister Megan becomes a key figure in helping Lois solve the eerie crimes.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez found his role both intense and liberating. Unlike his previous roles, Chavez embraced the rawness of Father Charlie’s character, saying, “I just followed my impulses. It was more about trusting my instincts and making bold choices.” Father Charlie’s involvement in the town’s dark secrets further adds to the suspense and moral ambiguity of the story, deepening the show’s exploration of good versus evil.
Though best known as a football player, Travis Kelce makes an unexpected acting debut in the show. Murphy recalled their initial meeting, where Kelce expressed his desire to explore acting. “He kept saying to me, ‘I’m real coachable. Coach me,” Murphy shared. What began as a casual conversation led to Murphy specifically tailoring a role for Kelce. “He showed up off-book, knew everybody’s lines, and was so professional,” Murphy said. Kelce’s character plays a pivotal role in the Tryon family’s dynamic, while Murphy and Nash-Betts emphasized that his contribution went far beyond a simple cameo.
With Grotesquerie, Murphy and his team aim to break away from traditional horror tropes by introducing characters and storylines that challenge genre expectations. Nash-Betts’ nuanced portrayal of Lois Tryon, alongside the show’s existential themes, positions Grotesquerie as more than just a horror series — it's a reflection of humanity’s fight against internal and external evils. As Murphy shared, “It’s about a search for hope and light in a dark place.”
The first two episodes premiere on FX on September 25 at 10 pm ET, and will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
