Penelope Cruz To Star As Donatella Versace In ‘American Crime Story’

Penelope Cruz has officially confirmed her first major TV role as Donatella Versace in the true crime television series American Crime Story.

Cruz will be joining the third editon of Ryan Murphy’s anthology. The series began in 2016 with its first season, titled The People V. O.J. Simpson, which pulled in five Emmys. The second, forthcoming season will center around the story of Hurricane Katrina.

Penelope Cruz As Donatella Versace In Third ‘American Crime Story’

The third series, titled Versace: American Crime Story, will examine the 1997 murder of Gianni Versace.  Versace was the acclaimed Italian fashion designer and later founder of international fashion house Versace. Donatella Versace was Gianni’s sister, who is also an Italian fashion designer, and current vice president of the Versace Group. She is also its chief designer. She took over the label’s design after her brother’s death.

The third series will be based on Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth’s book, Vulgar Favors, and is expected to air in early 2018. Originally, there had been rumors that Lady Gaga, a Murphy favorite, would play the role of Donatella Versace. Gaga had previously starred in American Horror Story: Hotel. In January, however, Murphy dispelled these rumors.

This will be Cruz’s first time taking on a regular TV role. She recently starred in Zoolander 2, and a string of Spanish dramas and comedies, including the well-received Ma Ma.

The third installation of the crime television series won’t be its last. Murphy has already confirmed season four, which will focus on Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky.