Evan Rachel Wood Accepted 'The Shards' Role Before Reading the Script

In a market where actors usually scrutinize every page of a script before signing a contract, the pull of certain directors still carries more weight. That’s what happened with actress Evan Rachel Wood when she was invited to join The Shards, a new series from Ryan Murphy for Hulu. 

In an exclusive interview with Omelete, she revealed that she didn’t need to read the script to accept the project: a phone call from Murphy, whom she has known for years, was enough. "Everything happened really fast for me. Ryan called, told me about the project, gave me a summary of the character, and I said yes before reading the script."

The decision was also shaped by the deep trust the actress has built with the producer over the course of her career. Their connection revives a partnership that began nearly two decades ago, when they worked together on the feature film Running with Scissors (2006). Wood fondly recalled the impact of that first experience: "I had such a wonderful experience making that film when I was 17."

Looking back on the atmosphere during filming of the 2006 movie, the actress said the set of the new production brought a sense of nostalgia. For the actress behind Liz Schaffer, the creator’s greatest strength is his ability to transport the crew into the story.

"That set, honestly, felt similar to The Shards, in the sense that you become immersed in a whole world. The moment you step onto the set, you’re in a different era."

Evan Rachel Wood had high praise for the showrunner’s ability to adapt complex works smoothly for the screen. Speaking about the director’s work in bringing Bret Easton Ellis’ universe to life, she emphasized: "He’s just so good at bringing books and such wild worlds to life. I mean, he makes it look so natural. There’s so much thought behind it—no stone is left unturned. Detail is where Ryan really shines."

Although she dove into the project without reading the episodes in advance, the actress listened to the audiobook during production, but notes that the filmed script became the priority. Even amid the rush, she admitted she still wants to finish the original work: "We wrapped filming just a few months ago and now here we are already. The whole thing happened so quickly! But I really do need to read the book now, seriously."

By trusting the director’s instincts, Evan Rachel Wood immersed herself in a dark narrative about the elite, sex, and obsession, delivering a powerful performance that promises to shock and seduce the audience.

The Shards is now streaming on Hulu.