Paramount’s JonBenet Ramsey Documentary Conducts In-Depth Research on the Murder Case
The scripted series on Paramount+ about JonBenét Ramsey strives to authentically depict the notorious murder case.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while promoting Tulsa King, Garrett Hedlund hinted at the dedication behind Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, stating, “I’ve experienced everything everyone else has and I’ve delved just a bit deeper.”
Hedlund, 41, who portrays Detective Steve Thomas, mentioned that the entire team “labored diligently” to pay tribute to Ramsey.
“The story is so tragic that it’s all rooted in that,” he added. “We had an incredible writer who put in a lot of effort. I can confidently say that everyone poured their heart and soul into this project.”
The upcoming limited series will depict the Ramsey family’s life before and after JonBenét’s tragic murder in 1996. Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey particularly focuses on parents John and Patsy grappling with the loss of their daughter while facing scrutiny regarding their potential involvement in her death.
“At its core, the series revolves around Patsy and John Ramsey,” stated a press release from September 2024. “It explores the unbreakable bond between two complex individuals — as spouses, as a mother and father — who dedicated themselves and their children to a façade of a perfect, privileged life, only to have it shattered one fateful Christmas night in 1996.”
Patsy and John will be portrayed by Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen, respectively. The cast also includes Emily Mitchell, Alison Pill, Owen Teague, Shea Whigham, and Will Patton. The role of JonBenét’s brother, Burke, is yet to be cast.
Besides his work on the true crime series, Hedlund is also busy with other television projects, including season 3 of Tulsa King. He shared with Us that audiences will enjoy watching his character become “smitten” with a “beautiful blast from the past,” introduced through newcomer Bella Heathcote‘s character, Cleo.
Paramount+’s Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey has drawn attention for how closely the cast resembles their real-life counterparts. The limited series will trace the Ramsey family’s journey leading up to and following JonBenét’s murder in 1996, particularly focusing on the emotional turmoil experienced by parents John and Patsy.
“[She is] that gal he just can’t let go of, that he can’t quit, the one who brings pain yet joy,” Hedlund shared with Us. “Audiences will witness them rekindling that journey.”
Hedlund praised his costar as a “wonderful gift and surprise” for season 3.
“I believe audiences will appreciate seeing a softer side of Mitch; it adds a grounded energy amidst the series’ otherwise chaotic moments,” Hedlund remarked. “It has been a pleasure working alongside Bella, who is both a remarkable actress and a delightful person.”
New episodes of Tulsa King season 3 are available on Paramount+ every Sunday.
