Ryan Murphy, the prolific television writer and producer, has his sights set on pop sensation Taylor Swift. Currently, he is working with Swift’s boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, on the scripted television series Grotesquerie, which marks Kelce’s debut in scripted television. Murphy has expressed a keen desire to collaborate with Swift in the future.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy stated, “I’ve talked to Taylor’s people about various things through the years, and all I will say is that I think she’s great, and if she ever has time to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat. I think she’s one of the greats.”
Murphy, known for creating hit series like American Horror Story, is a fan of both Swift, 34, and Kelce, 35. However, he admitted to feeling “shy” when discussing Swift with Kelce during the production of Grotesquerie. “He’s very sweet about it and respectful,” Murphy noted. “They are a pop-culture phenomenon. It’s a very interesting dynamic, the way they’ve captured the imagination of the world.”
In Grotesquerie, Kelce plays a pivotal role as a “guardian angel” to the protagonist, Lois Tryon, portrayed by Niecy Nash-Betts. Murphy praised Kelce’s performance, saying, “I always knew Travis could do it.” He added, “I have this saying: A star is a star is a star. I just knew he could do it. He rolls up his sleeves and he says, ‘Ok, let’s do this.’”
In describing Kelce’s character, Murphy elaborated on a particularly striking scene. “When you see him, he’s lit like he’s God,” he said, referring to Kelce’s first appearance alongside Nash-Betts in a hospital scene adorned with a stunning backdrop of flowers. “It makes no sense that there are acres of flowers in that hospital set that we brought in and designed. I lit him and dressed him like that.”
The seventh episode of Grotesquerie has premiered, revealing a significant twist: Lois has been in a coma throughout the series, and the murder she has been investigating is a figment of her imagination. In the show, Kelce’s character is depicted as the troubled husband of Lois’ daughter, Merritt, played by Raven Goodwin. He has a distinct appearance, complete with a mullet and a job at Cinnabon.
Murphy reflected on Kelce’s transformation into this character, saying, “When he did the turn and played the character with the mullet who worked at Cinnabon, he was really involved in, ‘Ok, I want my mullet to be here and I want to wear this.’” He continued to commend Kelce, calling him “funny” and highlighting how well he embraced the role.
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Grotesquerie airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. The show has been receiving attention for its unique storytelling and intriguing character dynamics, making it a must-watch for fans of both the genre and its stars.
Murphy’s aspirations to collaborate with Taylor Swift, combined with his praise for Kelce’s performance, showcase his enthusiasm for working with artists who have made significant impacts in their respective fields. As Grotesquerie continues to unfold, both Murphy and Kelce appear poised to make their marks in the entertainment industry, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.
