FX has unveiled the first images fromFeud: Bette and Joan, a brand new anthology series from anthology whispererRyan Murphy. TheNip/TuckandGleecreator first delved into the anthology format with the debut ofAmerican Horror Story, which wasn’t revealed to be an anthology until its first season finale. Murphy switched gears considerably with last year’s Emmy-dominatingAmerican Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, kicking off Murphy’s second anthology series, this time focusing on true crime stories. And now Murphy’s third anthology,Feud, is looming closer.
The idea of this new series is to chronicle famous feuds from throughout history, with the first season taking aim at Old Hollywood by tackling the legendary rivalry between screen legendsJoan CrawfordandBette Davisduring the making ofWhat Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. The series boasts an all-star cast withJessica Langeplaying Crawford andSusan Sarandonplaying Davis, and now the first images give us a look at the show in action.
Murphy executive produces the series alongsideTim Minear, withBrad PittandDede Gardnerof Plan B also serving as executive producers. This first season will tackle how Crawford and Davis endured ageism, sexism, and misogyny during the twilight of their careers, so while one might be apprehensive given Murphy’s previous output, I thinkPeople v. O.J.proved that Murphy is capable of tackling heavy thematic material in a compelling manner.
Check out the first images below. The series also starsAlfred Molina,Stanley Tucci,Judy Davis,Jackie Hoffman,Alison Wright,Dominic Burgess,Catherine Zeta-Jones,Sarah Paulson,Kathy Bates, andKiernan Shipka.Feud: Bette and Joanpremieres on FX on March 5th at 10pm ET/PT.
Here’s the official synopsis forFeud:
FEUD: Bette and Joan, the first installment of the new FX anthology series from Ryan Murphy, tells the story of the legendary rivalry between Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) during their collaboration on the Academy Award®-nominated thrillerWhat Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and well after the cameras stopped rolling. The series explores how the two women endured ageism, sexism, and misogyny while struggling to hang on to success and fame in the twilight of their careers.
In addition to Academy Award winners Lange and Sarandon, the cast includes Alfred Molina as the film’s director Robert Aldrich, Stanley Tucci as studio titan Jack Warner, Judy Davis as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Jackie Hoffman as Crawford’s housekeeper Mamacita, and Alison Wright as Aldrich’s assistant Pauline. Notable guest stars include Dominic Burgess as Crawford and Davis’ co-star Victor Buono, Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones as film star Olivia De Havilland, Sarah Paulson as Geraldine Page, Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell and Kiernan Shipka as B.D., Bette Davis’ daughter.
