John Travolta Signs On to Play Robert Shapiro in 'American Crime Story: People Vs. O.J.'

According to a report by Deadline, "Travolta also will serve as a producer on the miniseries, which takes a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers that explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution confidence, defense wiliness and the LAPD's history with the city's African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

"This marks Travolta's first TV series role since the 1975-79 comedy Welcome Back, Kotter. He joins David Schwimmer, who plays another Simpson attorney, his confidant Robert Kardashian; Cuba Gooding Jr, who portrays Simpson; and Sarah Paulson, who plays prosecutor Marcia Clark."

American Crime Story will appear on FX and is an offshoot of the widely successful American Horror Story. Murphy seems to have a real knack for tapping in to what people like and running with it. The most popular American crime stories generate tons of publicity and the media covers it like crazy because people are interested in it. Running on that notion, American Crime Story: People Vs. O.J. will probably do well.

What are your thoughts on the casting so far? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Tags

Ryan Murphy, John Travolta, O.J. Simpson, American Horror Story