Two prominent actors have joined the cast of the Jonbenet Ramsey Limited series in development at Paramount+. The six-episode series will air through Freedom writers‘ Richard LaGravense, who writes and executive produces alongside Harrison Query and Tommy Walach. It is set to dramatize the real-life incident in which child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered on Christmas Day in 1996 at the age of 6, a notorious cold case that remains unsolved.
Per Variety, Two Oscar-nominated actors have joined the cast of the Paramount+ show as JonBenét Ramsey’s parentswho were once suspected in the murder. Melissa McCarthy, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Bridesmaids and best actress in Can you ever forgive me? Will play Patsy Ramsey while Clive Owen, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for CloserWill play John Bennett Ramsey, who is the one who discovered their daughter’s body in 1996.
Top Global Co-CEO Chris McCarthy said “Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen are an extraordinary duo to develop in this tragic story that has cast a long, haunting shadow over American culture for nearly three decades..” Below, read additional statements from Executive Vice President of Programming for Paramount+ Jeff Grossman and 101 Studios CEO David C. Glasser as well as The official synopsis for the show:
Jeff Grossman: JonBenét Ramsey continues to be one of the most fascinating unsolved murders in the country. The incredible talent of Melissa McCarthy, Clive Owen and the creative team led by Richard LaGravenese will illuminate her story with the acuity and nuance it deserves. David C. Glasser: We have been working for some time to bring this thought provoking and bold project to audiences and could not be happier with the top notch team working in front of and behind the camera. Synopsis: It follows the Ramsey family, before and after the tragedy as they go through the painful loss of a child while facing intense public scrutiny caused by a media frenzy that caused the case to capture an entire nation. At the heart of the series, this is the story of Patsy and John Ramsey – exploring the unbreakable partnership of these two complex people – as husband and wife, as mother and father – who committed themselves and their children to building the story From a perfect, privileged life only to have it destroyed one Christmas night in 1996.
What the casting announcement means for JonBenét Ramsey
Melissa McCathy and Clive Owen are well equipped for this matter
As Grossman argues, this cast brings a pair of nuanced performers to the show in this story about one of America’s most notorious and ambiguous unsolved cases. While the best known Melissa McCarthy movies have extensive comedic performances included Bridesmaids, SpyAnd The heat, She is also known for playing complex characters in layered dramas incl Can you ever forgive me? Since her Oscar-nominated turn in the 2018 title, she has taken on further dramatic roles in projects including The Starling And Nine perfect strangers.
McCarthy’s future co-star Clive Owen is similarly equipped to tackle the subject with a nuanced performance. He is already known for more small dramas From his roles in projects including the noir-inspired titles Monsieur Spade And Croupier. He has also given memorable performances in a range of movies and TV shows of different genres and budget levels including 2004’s. King Arthur, Children of men, Lisi’s Story, American Crime StoryAnd Sin City.
Our take on the JonBenét Ramsey Casting
Assembling a stellar cast is the best move for the project
Jonbenet Ramsey is perhaps unavoidably wading into controversial territory by dramatizing one of the darkest chapters in American true crime history. However, an adaptation of the cold case was likely in the cards due to the preponderance of modern true crime drama shows adapting the stories of major modern murders, including Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime StoryAnd The act. Given this, the best move to temper the possible controversy may very well be to bring in skilled actors who can avoid making the material feel particularly exploitative.
Source: Variety