Cast Members Discuss Potential Return for Season 2 of ‘Devil in Disguise’
The popular limited series Devil in Disguise, which chronicles the life of infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy, is set to return for a second season focused on another notorious figure, Richard Ramirez, known as The Night Stalker. Following the announcement, cast members Chris Sullivan, Michael Angarano, and James Badge Dale shared their thoughts on the possibility of returning in new roles.
Sullivan, who portrayed Bill Kunkle in the first season, expressed his eagerness to collaborate again with creator Patrick Macmanus and the production team. He stated, “I would work with Patrick and his team any time and anywhere. They create such an incredibly warm and creative environment.” Dale echoed this sentiment, noting the positive atmosphere on set, which enhances the storytelling experience.
Angarano, who played Sam Amirante in the initial installment, emphasized the unique approach of the series. He remarked, “As dark and harrowing as this world was, the actual work and experience with the crew and the cast and Patrick himself was so warm and enjoyable.” This connection to the material is significant, as the series aims to honor the victims and their families rather than sensationalize the violence.
Reflecting on the Impact of True Crime
The first season of Devil in Disguise premiered on October 16, 2021, and it focused on Gacy’s heinous crimes and their impact on victims’ families. Gacy, who was convicted in 1980 and executed in 1994, was responsible for the deaths of numerous young men. The series aimed to shed light on the trauma inflicted on the victims’ families and questioned systemic failures that allowed Gacy to evade justice for so long.
Sullivan shared his perspective on the responsibility of portraying such real-life horrors. “Before we started doing this, we spoke about how do they intend to handle this story? One of the reasons I was so excited to do it was because of the honor and care with which he was telling the story and honoring the victims,” he explained. The series intentionally avoids romanticizing the violence, focusing instead on the human cost of these crimes.
Angarano added that the series takes its responsibility seriously in its portrayal of sensitive subjects. “One of the main perspectives and the main focus of the show are the victims and families,” he stated. He believes that the series differs from other true crime formats by fostering empathy and making viewers understand the real-life implications of such tragedies.
Experiences on Set and Emotional Challenges
The actors faced emotional challenges while filming, particularly during scenes that recreated the Gacy house. Sullivan described feeling a “real visual shock” when they entered the set, which included a replica of the infamous crawl space where Gacy buried many of his victims. He recalled the overwhelming atmosphere: “Looking down at all of the marked graves in the crawl space of the house was a real visual shock for me.”
Angarano also reflected on the eerie recreation of the Gacy residence, noting how it served as a constant reminder of the tragic events that transpired there. “That recreation felt really eerie,” he explained, acknowledging the meticulous attention to detail that the production team dedicated to the set.
Dale praised the performance of Michael Chernus, who portrayed Gacy, highlighting the respect and professionalism on set. “To watch him during these scenes, to be on set with him and watch him have to go to these places that he’s going to, it was a beautiful process,” Dale remarked. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful culture on set, which was evident during their time filming.
As anticipation builds for the second season, fans of Devil in Disguise can look forward to a new exploration of true crime, focusing on the chilling story of Richard Ramirez. The cast’s commitment to honoring the victims and their families suggests that the upcoming season will continue to handle its subject matter with care and sensitivity.
