SeverancestarMichael Chernustakes on the role of one of America’s most infamous serial killers inDevil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. The first teaser for the series, as well as newly-released images, give a first look at the series, which will comprehensively depict the life of a man who seemed to be a respectable community pillar and neighbor until his horrific crimes were unearthed. All eight episodes of the series will premiere onPeacockon October 16.
The spare, chilling teaser consists mostly of shots of Gacy’s infamous suburban Chicago home, its facade of normality occasionally interrupted by reminders of the crimes committed by its resident. In one shot, blood seemingly spatters in a sink, until a dollop of blue reveals that it’s actually clown makeup; Gacy performed as a clown for charities and children’s hospitals while living a double life as aserial killer. Later, the camera lingers on the hatch to a crawlspace underneath the house before descending into its cramped confines; dozens of Gacy’s victims would eventually be discovered buried in it. Only in the teaser’s closing moments is its focus revealed, when Chernus, as Gacy, answers his front door, giving viewers a glimpse of the character actor as he takes on Gacy’s persona. New images from the series give a more extensive look at the series; it will chronicle Gacy’s life and crimes, which continued unabated until he was arrested and charged with the murders of 33 young men in late 1978.
Who Is the Creative Team Behind ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’?
In addition to Chernus, the series also starsGabrielLuna(The Last of Us),MichaelAngarano(Sacramento),Chris Sullivan(Presence),James Badge Dale(Hightown),andMarin Ireland(Dope Thief). It is showrun, written, and executive produced by true-crime veteran Patrick Macmanus (Dr. Death,The Girl From Plainville), and executive produced byNoah OppenheimandLiz Colefor NBC News Studios,as well asAshley Michel Hoban,Ahmadu Garba, andKelly Funkefor Littleton Road Productions. The series is a dramatization of the popular2021 Peacock docuseriesof the same name; it featured an extensive never-before-seen archical interview of Gacy, who was executed in 1994.
As one of the most notorious serial killers of the 20th century, Gacy has been portrayed on-screen a number of times.Brian Dennehywas Emmy-nominated for his performance in the 1992 TV movieTo Catch a Killer. More recently,John Carroll Lynchplayed Gacy in the fifth season ofAmerican Horror Story.
All eight episodesofDevil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacywillpremiere on Peacock on October 16. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
