FX’s highly anticipated anthology series, “American Sports Story,” has found its lead actor to portray the embattled former NFL star, Aaron Hernandez. Jose Andrés Rivera, known for his role in “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” has been tapped for the role in this Ryan Murphy executive-produced series.
Announced in August 2021, “American Sports Story” expands Murphy’s successful “American” franchise by re-examining a prominent event involving a sports figure through the lens of today’s world. The first season will be based on the acclaimed “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.” podcast, produced by Wondery and The Boston Globe.
The season will delve into Hernandez’s rise to fame as a tight end for the New England Patriots, his fall from grace due to a murder conviction, and the tragic end to his life. Through various perspectives, the series will explore the different facets of his identity, his family, his career, his suicide, and the lasting impact on sports and American culture.
Scriptwriter Stu Zicherman, known for his work on “The Americans,” will pen the episodes and executive produce alongside Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Alexis Martin Woodall, Hernan Lopez, Marshall Lewy, Linda Pizutti Henry, and Ira Napoliello of Wondery, and executives from The Boston Globe.
Rivera’s impressive credits include his role as Chino in the 2021 film “West Side Story,” his upcoming appearance in the “Hunger Games” prequel, and his role in the feature film “Cat Person.” Represented by Paradigm and Jackoway Austen, Rivera brings his talent and depth to the portrayal of Aaron Hernandez.
FX CEO John Landgraf expressed excitement over the spinoffs and the opportunity to continue the success of the “American Horror Story” franchise with “American Sports Story” and “American Love Story.” Landgraf commended the collaboration between Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson, highlighting their ability to construct stories with care, clarity, and dimensionality. The partnership between the creatives has yielded critically acclaimed series such as “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” and “Impeachment: American Crime Story.” Landgraf eagerly looks forward to what these talented individuals will create next.
With the casting of Jose Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez, “American Sports Story” sets the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most notorious cases in sports history. The combination of Murphy’s visionary storytelling, Zicherman’s writing prowess, and the talented ensemble behind the scenes promises to deliver another impactful series that captivates audiences and continues the legacy of the “American” franchise. As fans eagerly await the premiere of “American Sports Story,” they can expect a riveting portrayal of Aaron Hernandez that sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding his life, career, and ultimate downfall.
