The Shards Producers Share Bret Easton Ellis’ Response
The Shards draws inspiration from Bret Easton Ellis’s novel of the same title, with the author experiencing the television adaptation alongside the audience.
“He saw some. He had gone through quite the ordeal with HBO [which initially aimed to adapt The Shards], and when he handed the book to FX and to Ryan [Murphy], he sat down with him and entrusted the characters, saying, ‘Go create and do your thing,’” executive producer Brad Simpson shared exclusively with Us prior to the season 1 finale on Wednesday, September 9.
Simpson, 53, pointed out that Ellis, 62, granted Murphy, 60, the “permission” to “reimagine his work” for a different format.
“All I am aware of is he’s tuning in weekly and occasionally commenting on it during his podcast,” Simpson added. “You can catch his thoughts on the first couple of episodes on his podcast, and we’ll see if he shares more.”
He also mentioned: “Bret primarily communicates with the world through his podcast and writing these days. But I love the thought of him watching this evolve week by week from his living room.”
The official synopsis states that The Shards takes place in Los Angeles in 1981, following “a 17-year-old version of Ellis during his last year at the prestigious Buckley prep school.” His life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory, whose “disquieting presence coincides with the activities of a serial killer known as The Trawler.”
Igby Rigney takes on the role of Ellis in the adaptation. The 2023 novel marks Ellis’ first release in 13 years, featuring a disclaimer stating that all key characters are fictional, except for the narrator.
Following the release of The Shards, Ellis recounted hearing from a former classmate who perceived themselves in one of the characters. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Ellis revealed he received a Facebook message stating, “Of all the names you could have picked, the one I dislike the most is Debbie.”
Ellis also shared insights into the broader inspiration for The Shards.
“I don’t feel compelled to write a novel unless I genuinely feel it, and that might explain why many of my books carry a looming sense of dread,” he noted. “I believe it reflects where the stories originate from. Conversely, if I had been a happier person, would I have pursued writing? Would I have utilized novels as a means of expression or communication? I can’t say for sure, but that might explain my attraction to horror and the elements I incorporate in my work.”
In addition to Rigney, 23, The Shards features Kaia Gerber, Homer Gere, Hayes Warner, Graham Campbell, Evan Rachel Wood, and Wes Bentley. Leading up to the show’s premiere in August, Rigney reflected on the challenges associated with his role.
“Ryan was incredibly enjoyable in his direction, often having us perform multiple takes in various styles,” Rigney told Us exclusively.
The actor was uncertain which version would ultimately be included in the final cut.
“We were never informed about which take was going to be used. I’m sure some of those takes were blended together, adding to the confusion,” Rigney said. “Having to deliver narration at times was also somewhat challenging on set.”
He added: “Everyone around me was having a blast, while I was lost in thought about a lengthy paragraph I had to deliver, but wasn’t saying out loud.”
The Shards is broadcast on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FX.
