Ryan Murphy Predicts Menendez Brothers’ Release by Christmas on Netflix!

How might the popularity of “Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez” on Netflix impact the fate of the Menendez brothers? Ryan Murphy believes their story isn’t over, even though there are currently no plans for a second season.

Following yesterday’s announcement of a court hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, as Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascón reviews new evidence suggesting they were molested by their father, Murphy might consider extending the series.

“If Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch are on board, what interests me is producing one or two episodes to continue the story,” Ryan Murphy told Variety.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch play Lyle and Erik, respectively, in the series, which covers the brothers’ life sentence without parole conviction for the 1989 first-degree murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

Can the Menendez Brothers Be Released from Prison?

The upcoming hearing could lead to a new trial or a new sentencing for Erik and Lyle, but prosecutor Gascón has stated that no decision has been made yet.

Shortly after Gascón’s announcement of reviewing the new evidence, Kim Kardashian wrote an essay calling for the release of Erik and Lyle. Kim Kardashian and Cooper Koch visited the brothers in San Diego prison this past September.

Ryan Murphy, who created “Monsters” with Ian Brennan, showed the series to Kim Kardashian about a month before its Netflix debut. “She was quite knowledgeable about the case and grew up with it,” Murphy said. “However, she was unaware of the extent of the sexual abuse and immediately felt compelled to help. This case now attracts so much attention, which speaks to the power of television and its ability to shine a light on dark corners.“

Ryan Murphy’s Change of Heart?

Previously, Murphy made it clear that he was not looking to become a crusader for the brothers. “I believe in justice, but I do not believe it’s my role to be part of that machinery“, he had stated. “My job as an artist is to present one perspective on a story. I feel I have done that, but I wish them luck.“

Now, due to the series’ popularity and its potential influence on Gascón’s decision, Murphy has become an unlikely advocate. “We’ve given them a platform to speak in the court of public opinion. In essence, we’ve given them a stage“, Murphy exclaimed.

I think they could be out of prison by Christmas. I truly believe that.

A Divisive Series

The series has not been without its critics. Erik Menendez issued a statement through his wife criticizing the series and Ryan Murphy, as did several family members. “What’s particularly painful is that the family was overwhelmingly opposed to the series and vocally against it. Yet, what they thought would harm them is actually aiding them“, Murphy commented. “It’s not very pleasant.”

Ryan Murphy recently announced that Season 3 of Monsters will feature Charlie Hunnam as the 1950s serial killer Ed Gein. He is also considering more contemporary stories for Season 4.

“It’s dangerous but also thrilling to tackle current issues“, he said. “As I’ve mentioned before, the Menendez brothers never particularly interested me. What drew me in was the issue of sexual abuse. That has always fascinated me. The fact that it has clearly resonated with people, and that people think these facts should have been admissible in the second trial, is fascinating to me.“