Meet the Cast of ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’

Netflix’s latest anthology series dives into the chilling real-life story of the Menendez brothers, with a star-studded cast bringing the infamous case to life.

Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has captivated audiences by recounting the chilling tale of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers who shocked the world by brutally murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in August 1989. This season follows the success of Dahmer — Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and once again, the series examines the darker aspects of trauma, family dynamics, and crime. With a cast of highly acclaimed actors, the show explores new dimensions of this tragic story. Here’s a look at the cast members bringing the Menendez family saga to life.

Javier Bardem as José Menendez

With a career spanning over 30 years, Spanish actor Javier Bardem is known for his unforgettable performances in films like Eat Pray Love, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Dune. In Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Bardem steps into the role of José Menendez, the patriarch of the Menendez family, whose dark legacy is a central theme of the series.

Discussing the role, Bardem touched on the complex emotional trauma portrayed in the show. “It really speaks about some very important trauma, about how not being able to heal the traumatic events [from] childhood can cause dramatic effects for generations to come,” Bardem told The Wrap in September 2024.

Chloë Sevigny as Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez

Chloë Sevigny, a staple in independent cinema with roles in American Psycho, Dogville, and The Brown Bunny, takes on the emotionally charged role of Kitty Menendez. Known for her work in series like American Horror Story and Bloodline, Sevigny brings a nuanced portrayal of a woman whose tragic fate intertwined with the brutal events that unfolded in her home.

In an interview with Interview magazine, Sevigny highlighted her thoughtful approach to the character. “You know, I think that we tell this story with a lot of sensitivity, and we unpack it in a way that I think people haven’t really done before,” Sevigny explained, reflecting on the deeper conversations around mental health and sexual abuse that the series addresses.

Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez

Rising star Cooper Koch, whose family has a history in the film industry, portrays Erik Menendez. To prepare for the role, Koch fully immersed himself in Erik’s world. “I turned my trailer into Erik’s room so I had clothes everywhere, and I had pictures of him on the wall, pictures of me too,” he shared with The Wrap. His commitment to capturing Erik’s inner life adds an authentic and emotional depth to the role, making Erik’s descent into the infamous crime all the more compelling.

Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez

Nicholas Chavez, best known for his breakout role in General Hospital, plays the older Menendez brother, Lyle. Chavez’s portrayal of Lyle dives into the complexities of a young man grappling with trauma and family conflict, culminating in the horrific events that made headlines worldwide.

In preparing for the role, Chavez took a unique approach, turning to family members who had lived through the era of the Menendez trial. “I asked them what their perspective was and what their impression was,” he told The Wrap, giving insight into how he crafted a believable and multidimensional portrayal of Lyle.

Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel

Dallas Roberts, known for his work in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, plays Dr. Jerome Oziel, the pivotal therapist whose sessions with the Menendez brothers played a crucial role in the investigation and trial. Roberts brings a compelling presence to the series, portraying the therapist who unwittingly found himself at the center of one of America’s most shocking criminal cases.

With a powerful ensemble cast, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story revisits the haunting true story of the Menendez brothers. Each actor brings a raw intensity to the retelling of this infamous case, highlighting the deep emotional and psychological layers that defined not only the crime but the family at its heart.