After some indecision about which story to tackle next, it would appear that producer Ryan Murphy and FX have decided to focus on the infamous Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal for its upcoming third season of “American Crime Story.”
Speaking at a TCA panel (via Variety), FX not only revealed plans to begin production on “Impeachment: American Crime Story” in early 2020 but also gave us a hint at who will be headlining the new limited series. “Booksmart” breakout actress Beanie Feldstein has landed the coveted role of Lewinsky in the series, which will, of course, follow the story of the affair between President Clinton and his young intern during the ‘90s that threatened to end his run as leader of the United States.
Joining Feldstein in the cast are Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp and Annaleigh Ashford as Paula Jones. ‘Impeachment’ will be based on Jeffrey Toobin’s book “A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President.” Writer Sarah Burgess has been brought on to pen the adaptation.
John Landgraf, chairman of FX Networks and FX Productions, said, “FX’s ‘American Crime Story’ franchise has become a cultural touchstone, providing greater context for stories that deserve greater understanding like the O.J. Simpson trial and saga, and Andrew Cunanan’s tragic crime spree which concluded with the assassination of Gianni Versace.”
“This franchise re-examines some of the most complicated, polarizing stories in recent history in a way that is relevant, nuanced and entertaining,” he added. “‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ will likewise explore the overlooked dimensions of the women who found themselves caught up in the scandal and political war that cast a long shadow over the Clinton Presidency. We are grateful to Sarah Burgess for her brilliant adaptation, as well as Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk, Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander, Alexis Martin Woodall, Sarah Paulson and the rest of the creative team and cast.”
The first season of ‘American Crime Story’ focused on the trial of OJ Simpson and would go on to win a ton of Emmys. That was followed by ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace,’ which once again earned critical acclaim and Emmy love. Previously, it was rumored that the third season would tackle the Clinton scandal, but that changed when Murphy was interested in focusing on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for the upcoming episodes. After development on that stalled, it appears that the folks behind the scenes went back to their original plan.
“Impeachment: American Crime Story” will begin production in February and debut on September 27, 2020, just in time for the upcoming Presidential Election. That’s probably a coincidence, right?