'American Crime Story' cast news: Penelope Cruz cast to play Donatella Versace in show's third season

Penelope Cruz will take on the role of fashion designer Donatella Versace in the third anthology of "American Crime Story."

The ten-episode anthology, titled "Versace," will look into the murder of Gianni Versace, Donatella's brother, in 1997. It will be based on "Vulgar Favors," a book written by Maureen Orth. Edgar Ramirez will play Gianni Versace, while Darren Criss will play Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer who was also the designer's murderer.

This will be the first time that Cruz will handle a regular television role. She is more known for her work in film, having earned an Academy award for best supporting actress for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2009.

Season 1 of "American Crime Story" focused on O.J. Simpson's trial. Season 2, which will air in 2018, will look into the aftermath of Typhoon Katrina. Ryan Murphy, one of the executive producers of the show, mentioned that he is interested in exploring the Bill Clinton–Monica Lewinsky saga for the fourth season.

Musical artist Lady Gaga was previously rumored to play the designer, which would have been her second role in a Murphy-produced series, having starred in "American Horror Story: Hotel" and a guest appearance in "American Horror Story: Roanoke." The executive producer himself dispelled these speculations in a Billboard interview, saying that her busy musical career will not allow her to commit to the show's production. However, he also said that he would "love to work with her on something in the future."

Cruz will also be seen in EuropaCorp's "Escobar" with husband Javier Bardem, as well as "Murder on the Orient Express," along with Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, and Tom Bateman.

Season 3 of "American Crime Story" will air in 2018 on FX, six months after the second season ends.