Penélope Cruz wears Atelier Versace dress to the 2017 EE British Academy Film Awards in London, England.
Photo: Rex.
Spanish actress Penélope Cruz was cast as Donatella Versace in the upcoming series Versace: American Crime Story. In her new television role, she will tell the story of the July 1997 assassination of legendary designer Gianni Versace— played by Edgar Ramirez— in Miami as Versace’s younger sister, who took over the company after his tragic death. The series is based on Maureen Orth’s biography of Versace’s murderer Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), Vulgar Favors.
The role was initially rumored to go to singer and occasional Versace campaign star Lady Gaga after her star turn on the successful American Horror Story. The speculations were put to rest by the FX show’s Executive Director Ryan Murphy.
Unlike Gaga, who bares an uncanny resemblance to the designer, Cruz, with her chestnut mane and demure personality, may seem like an unlikely fit to play the platinum-haired, perennially bronzed Donatella. However, physical attributes aside, we think the actress is an unexpected, but fitting choice for the role. As a chunk of the episodes are set in the mid ‘90s— before Donatella’s rise to fame— she will showcase the lesser-known side of the designer.
The Zoolander 2 star is an evident Versace fan too. She has made numerous red-carpet appearances sporting the brand’s body-hugging designs such as the blush, strapless gown with feather details she wore to the 2007 Oscar ceremony.
The 10-episode show, which comes after the anthology franchise’s debut season OJ Vs the People, and the forthcoming Katrina, is set to debut in 2018.
Penélope Cruz wears Atelier Versace at the 2007 Oscar awards.
Photo: Shutterstock.com
