“American Crime Story” Update: Penelope Cruz To Play Donatella In Gianni Versace Murder Adaptation

Reports have confirmed that actress Penelope Cruz has been tapped to portray iconic fashion designer Donatella Versace in the upcoming third installment to Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, “American Crime Story.” The real-life crime series on FX will have Cruz play sister to slain brother Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez) by serial killer Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), NewNowNext said. “Versace: American Crime Story” will chronicle the lives of the Versaces before and after the death of Gianna in 1997. Cunanan shot the designer in his Miami home, and eventually killed himself weeks later as police are closing in on him.

Cruz appears to be a surprising choice, considering the fact that all signs are pointed to Murphy collaborator Lady Gaga, the Independent noted. Murphy himself thinks Gaga would be a perfect choice for the role while attending the Entertainment Weekly's PopFest. However, the news followed previous announcements that production is eyeing an A-list actor to play the blonde designer, who later on took over the design house following her brother’s death.

FX said in a statement, “Cruz has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters, and becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated for and win an Academy Award.”

The show will air on FX next year, with production expected to start in April, The Nation said. The third season will be shot in concurrent with the second season, which will focus on Hurricane Katrina, the Independent said. A fourth season of the show will be based loosely on the Monica Lewinsky scandal.