NFL star Travis Kelce to debut in Ryan Murphy's 'Grotesquerie'
Internationally acclaimed NFL player, Travis Kelce, is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming FX horror series Grotesquerie, created by Ryan Murphy. This casting report follows Kelce's successful stint as a host on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in March 2023 and a brief appearance later alongside pop star girlfriend Taylor Swift. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end will be sharing the screen space with actors such as Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, and Lesley Manville, reported Deadline.
'Grotesquerie' filming has begun, slated for fall release
Details about Grotesquerie remain limited as is typical with Murphy's projects. The confirmed cast members include Nash-Betts, Vance, and Manville alongside Kelce. The series has commenced filming and is scheduled for a fall release, coinciding with the upcoming football season. This timing will enable Kelce to return to the Chiefs following their third Super Bowl victory in five years.
Kelce's Hollywood aspirations and previous media ventures
Kelce's interest in Hollywood became evident when he partnered with Creative Artists Agency last year. His media ventures extend beyond scripted television, having explored reality TV through his dating show Catching Kelce in 2016. More recently, he hosted Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? His New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with brother-ex-NFL center Jason Kelce, is also famous. Kelce has ventured into production, too; his first executive producer stint was for the independent film My Dead Friend Zoe.
Murphy's reputation for transitioning talent into acting
Murphy is known for fostering talent and aiding their transition into acting roles. He previously cast singer Lady Gaga in her first significant role on American Horror Story: Hotel; similar to Kelce, Gaga had also hosted SNL prior to being cast by Murphy. Grotesquerie is a joint venture between Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken, which teased audiences with an all-text teaser in February featuring audio of Nash-Betts's character.
