Fans are abuzz with the news that Peacock’s critically acclaimed true-crime anthology, Devil in Disguise, is set to return for a second season focusing on the infamous Richard Ramirez, “The Night Stalker.” What’s even more exciting for devotees of the show’s uniquely empathetic approach to harrowing stories is the strong indication that beloved cast members from the John Wayne Gacy installment, including Chris Sullivan, Michael Angarano, and James Badge Dale, are eager to return in new roles, mirroring the successful anthology format of other genre favorites.
The landscape of true crime dramatizations has been profoundly shaped by Peacock’s anthology series, Devil in Disguise. Its premiere season, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, captivated audiences not just with its disturbing portrayal of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, but with its groundbreaking humanistic lens focused on the victims and their families. Now, as the series prepares to tackle the chilling narrative of Richard Ramirez, also known as “The Night Stalker,” a crucial question emerges: will the original cast members return to weave this new tale of terror and tragedy?
The Allure of an Anthology: Familiar Faces, New Horrors
The answer, according to the stars themselves, is a resounding yes. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Chris Sullivan, Michael Angarano, and James Badge Dale all expressed immense enthusiasm for a potential return. This news has thrilled fans who appreciate the depth and talent these actors brought to their roles in the Gacy season.
Sullivan, 45, who portrayed investigator Bill Kunkle, emphatically shared, “I would work with [creator] Patrick Macmanus and his team any time and anywhere.” Dale, 47, who played detective David Hachmeister, echoed this sentiment, adding, “They create such an incredibly warm and creative environment.” Angarano, 37, who brought attorney Sam Amirante to life, concluded, “As dark and harrowing as this world was, the actual work and experience with the crew and the cast and Patrick himself [was] so warm and enjoyable. Anytime I work with them is the best job in the world.”
This eagerness to collaborate again, despite the grim subject matter, speaks volumes about the creative environment fostered by Macmanus and his team. For fans of anthology series, the prospect of seeing these talented actors tackle entirely new roles within the same universe is a familiar and exciting concept, similar to the acclaimed model of American Crime Story.
A Commitment to Victims: Redefining True Crime
What truly sets Devil in Disguise apart in the crowded true-crime genre is its unwavering commitment to ethical storytelling. The John Wayne Gacy season made a deliberate effort to focus on the victims, addressing the trauma inflicted on their families, naming each episode after a victim, and scrutinizing the systemic failures that allowed Gacy to evade justice for so long. This approach moves beyond mere sensationalism, offering a deeply empathetic viewing experience.
Sullivan explained his decision to join the series, stating that Macmanus’ vision was paramount. “One of the reasons I was so excited to do it was because of the honor and care with which he was telling the story and honoring the victims. The show is being very careful not to romanticize the actual violence or the killer himself.” Angarano further emphasized, “This show takes its responsibility very seriously in what it’s putting out there. One of the main perspectives and the main focus of the show are the victims and families.” This commitment ensures the series remains impactful without exploiting real-life tragedy, distinguishing it from “consumer bait” often found in the genre, as noted in reports by Us Weekly.
Stepping into the Darkness: Filming the Unthinkable
Despite the supportive set environment, filming such dark material took its toll on the cast, highlighting the gravity of their work. Each actor recalled specific moments that proved particularly difficult to confront.
- Chris Sullivan described the visceral shock of entering the recreated John Wayne Gacy house. “The first day we walked into the John Wayne Gacy house and we stood there with the floor ripped out of this house,” Sullivan said. “Looking down at all of the marked graves in the crawl space of the house was a real visual shock for me.”
- Michael Angarano added to this, noting the eerie accuracy of the set. “That recreation felt really eerie. There is also a lot of time and energy dedicated to the crawl space itself. And that that was a physical reminder every time you walked into that soundstage that there was about 20 or 30 feet of crawl space that they were filming.”
- James Badge Dale was particularly moved by Michael Chernus’ immersive and respectful portrayal of Gacy. “We all know Chernus and what type of person he is and we know what type of great man he is. To watch him during these scenes, to be on set with him and watch him have to go to these places that he’s going to, it was a beautiful process,” Dale commented. He underscored the respectful atmosphere on set, even with a large crew present, emphasizing a collective understanding of the sensitive work at hand.
From Gacy’s Suburbs to Ramirez’s Reign of Terror
The first season meticulously detailed the horrifying crimes of John Wayne Gacy, a serial killer and sex offender who raped, tortured, and murdered dozens of young men and boys before his conviction in 1980 and execution in 1994. The narrative highlighted the profound impact on his victims and the investigative missteps that allowed his spree to continue. The show’s success in handling such a sensitive topic with nuance has set high expectations for its future.
Season 2 shifts its focus to Richard Ramirez, a different kind of terrifying figure who preyed on Southern California in 1984 and 1985. Known as “The Night Stalker,” Ramirez invaded homes, committing rape, torture, and murder, often leaving behind satanic symbols. He was convicted of 13 murders, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries, though police suspect his victim count was much higher. The series will undoubtedly delve into a new facet of evil, justice, and the profound meaning of being a victim of violence, as Yahoo Entertainment reports.
The Future of ‘Devil in Disguise’
With its critically acclaimed first season now streaming on Peacock, Devil in Disguise has established itself as a benchmark for thoughtful true-crime storytelling. The possibility of the original cast returning for the Richard Ramirez season in new roles promises to deepen the anthology experience, allowing audiences to connect with familiar talent while grappling with new, profound horrors. As discussions continue and official announcements await, the excitement among fans for this unique and powerful series only continues to grow.
