The Shards, the new eight-part series on Disney+, boasts a cast that includes the children of Hollywood royalty. Homer Gere, son of 80s icon Richard Gere, and Kaia Gerber, daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, are among the stars of this dark 80s drama.
The series is an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's 2023 semi-autobiographical novel, created by Ryan Murphy. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, it follows a 17-year-old Ellis during his final year at an elite prep school. The arrival of a charismatic new student coincides with a serial killer, known as The Trawler, operating in the area.
Critical Response
The Shards has received mixed reviews from critics. The Irish Independent described it as “monotonous,” albeit with “great music.” The Hollywood Reporter said the drama is “made for (and probably by) people who can’t always distinguish among kitsch, camp, ironic detachment and affectionate nostalgia, and, frankly, don’t care.” IndieWire called it “unboring” but noted it was another “Ryan Murphy production filled with potential… that has no idea what to do with it.”
Main Cast
Bret Easton Ellis - Igby Rigney: Rigney plays the lead, a fictionalised teen version of Ellis, after starring in Midnight Mass, Netflix’s The Midnight Club, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Robert Mallory - Homer Gere: Gere, son of Pretty Woman star Richard Gere, plays Robert Mallory, a mysterious newcomer to Brett’s prep school. He recently appeared in Euphoria’s third season as influencer Dylan Reid.
Thom Wright - Graham Campbell: Campbell plays Thom Wright, having featured in Late Fame, White Oxygen, and The Library.
Debbie Schaffer - Hayes Warner: Pop star Hayes Warner plays Brett’s girlfriend Debbie Schaffer, marking her first major acting role.
Terry Schaffer - Wes Bentley: Bentley, known for Yellowstone, reunites with Murphy after American Horror Story. His credits include American Beauty, Lovelace, Interstellar, and The Hunger Games.
Susan Reynolds - Kaia Gerber: Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, plays Susan Reynolds, reuniting with Murphy after American Horror Story and American Horror Stories. She has also appeared in Palm Royale, Bottoms, and Overcompensating.
Liz Schaffer - Evan Rachel Wood: Wood plays Liz Schaffer, with credits in Westworld, Thirteen, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and Across the Universe.
Jordan Roth - Steven Reinhardt: Reinhardt, a seven-time Tony Award winner, plays Jordan Roth. The Shards marks his first major screen role, as he is primarily known for theatre, fashion, and performance art.
Matt Kellner - Owen Painter: Painter plays Matt Kellner, having featured in Netflix’s Wednesday as Slurp, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Tiny Beautiful Things.
Ryan Vaughn - Daniel Dale: Dale plays Ryan Vaughn, with credits in Your Friends & Neighbors and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
The Shards is released on Disney+ on Wednesdays.
