Richard LaGravenese, the mastermind behind captivating narratives like 'Behind the Candelabra,' has been tapped as the showrunner for an upcoming limited series that promises to delve deeply into the enigmatic murder of JonBenét Ramsey. This gripping drama, now titled 'JonBenét Ramsey,' has secured a prestigious series order from Paramount+, with a star-studded cast led by two Academy Award nominees: Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen.
McCarthy and Owen will embody the roles of Patsy and John Ramsey, the heartbroken parents whose six-year-old daughter, a child beauty pageant star, was found murdered in their home in a chilling case that rocked the nation in 1996. This unsolved mystery, which sparked a media frenzy and cast a long, haunting shadow over American culture, will be brought to life with a nuanced and compelling portrayal by the esteemed actors.
Anne Sewitsky, renowned for her directorial prowess in 'Presumed Innocent,' has signed on to helm four of the eight episodes, ensuring that each frame resonates with emotional depth and cinematic finesse. The series, a collaborative effort between MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios—the same producers behind the beloved 'Yellowstone'—is penned by Harrison Query, Tommy Wallach, and LaGravenese, who sold the captivating project to the studios.
"Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen form an unparalleled duo, poised to unravel the tragic tale of JonBenét Ramsey," said Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President & CEO of Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios. "Their portrayals of Patsy and John Ramsey will illuminate the unbreakable bond between these complex individuals as they grapple with the unimaginable loss of their child amidst a media storm that captivated the nation."
'JonBenét Ramsey' will weave a poignant narrative that spans the Ramsey family's life before and after the tragedy, exploring their heartbreaking journey through grief while enduring relentless public scrutiny. At its core, the series is a profound exploration of Patsy and John's relationship—a testament to their resilience as partners, parents, and individuals who saw their carefully constructed narrative of a perfect life shattered on a fateful Christmas night in 1996.
"The mystery surrounding JonBenét Ramsey remains one of the most intriguing unsolved cases in American history," remarked Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of Programming at Paramount+. "With the extraordinary talents of Melissa McCarthy, Clive Owen, and the visionary creative team led by Richard LaGravenese, we are confident that this series will shed new light on the story with the depth and sensitivity it deserves."
David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, added, "We have been diligently working to bring this bold and thought-provoking project to life, and we are thrilled to have assembled such an exceptional team both in front of and behind the camera. We cannot wait for audiences to experience the powerful storytelling that 'JonBenét Ramsey' has to offer."
McCarthy, fresh from her acclaimed performance in Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix film 'Unfrosted,' brings her Emmy-winning prowess to the role, adding to her impressive resume that includes 'Bridesmaids,' 'Gilmore Girls,' and recent projects like 'Genie' on Peacock, the 2023 'Little Mermaid,' and Hulu's 'Nine Perfect Strangers.' Owen, who has starred in hits like 'Monsieur Spade' on AMC and 'A Murder at the End of the World' on FX, further solidifies his reputation as a versatile actor with his portrayal of Bill Clinton in 'Impeachment: American Crime Story.'
Together with LaGravenese, Query, Wallach, and the rest of the executive producing team, including Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and David Hutkin of 101 Studios, McCarthy, and Sewitsky, 'JonBenét Ramsey' promises to be a haunting and insightful exploration of a case that continues to captivate the nation's imagination.
