Cuba Gooding Jr. plays O.J. Simpson in FX’s ‘American Crime Story

Cuba Gooding Jr. plays O.J. Simpson in FX’s ‘American Crime Story.’ (FX/Fox 21 Television Studios)

Millions of people watched and dissected O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, but executive producer and director Ryan Murphy says an upcoming FX series that focuses on that courtroom saga may surprise viewers.

American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson will kick off Murphy’s new true-crime anthology series when it premieres in 2016. Production started this spring.

“Our goal is to show you the behind-the-scenes mechanizations of crimes, stuff that you didn’t know,” Murphy says, speaking to USA TODAY after a screening this week of his new Fox comedy-horror series, Scream Queens. “When I read the scripts, I didn’t know half the stuff (that occurred). I’m like, ‘That happened? That happened?’ I think people will find them so illuminating. I did.”

Murphy, who is directing, raves about Cuba Gooding Jr.’s portrayal of O.J. Simpson, who was ultimately acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman.

“Cuba is so talented. He’s turning in a great performance,” Murphy says.

John Travolta plays Robert Shapiro in FX’s ‘American Crime Story.’ (FX/Fox 21 Television Studios)

Murphy (Glee, American Horror Story), revels in the casting of John Travolta, likening that to his efforts to persuade Jessica Lange to join Horror Story and Jamie Lee Curtis to appear in Queens. He says he begged Travolta, who will play defense attorney Robert Shapiro, to read the scripts.

Empress	Although I like both of these actors, I wouldn't give this shite 5 minutes of my time. Anything to do with OJ can go fuck itself!
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daingermouz202 0	Who's playing Johnny Cochren? I think he and the forensics guy played the biggest roles in OJ's acquittal. I might check it out. I watched the original trial back in 95 I think it was. Don't know if there's anything new they can add that I don't know or haven't considered already.
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daingermouz202 0	BobGeorge909 said: daingermouz2020 said: Who's playing Johnny Cochren? I think he and the forensics guy played the biggest roles in OJ's acquittal. I might check it out. I watched the original trial back in 95 I think it was. Don't know if there's anything new they can add that I don't know or haven't considered already. ? [Edited 7/9/15 13:40pm] lol, you had me for a second.
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Ryan Murphy talks O.J. trial series, Gooding, Travolta