Javier Bardem Reveals Why He Didn’t Visit Lyle and Erik Menéndez in Prison for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story.

Javier Bardem, 55, the famous Spanish actor who portrays José Menéndez in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, has revealed why he chose not to visit the infamous Menéndez brothers in prison before taking on the role. While some of his co-stars, such as Cooper Koch, visited Lyle and Erik, Bardem wasn’t interested in meeting them in person.

Javier Bardem recently revealed why he chose not to meet the infamous Menéndez brothers in prison before taking on his role. While some of his co-stars, like Cooper Koch, made the emotional journey to visit Lyle and Erik at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, Bardem felt a different approach was necessary for understanding his character.

Bardem’s Initial Reluctance to Meet Lyle and Erik Menéndez

Bardem, who plays the deceased father José in the Ryan Murphy-produced series, admitted he was initially unaware of the full extent of the Menéndez brothers’ story. Hailing from Spain, the high-profile case was not widely covered in the country, and Bardem confessed that he knew very little about the details before joining the project.

In an interview, Bardem shared, “First of all, I didn’t know much or more basically anything about the story when Ryan Murphy talked to me, because it wasn’t that big in Spain. And then once I dug in, I was like, ‘Wow, this is really, really sensitive material.'”

This revelation marked the beginning of Bardem’s research into the Menéndez case. Despite his curiosity, he found it difficult to find much information about José Menéndez, as much of the available material was focused on the brothers themselves. Ultimately, Bardem decided to trust the writing, crafted by Ryan Murphy and co-creator Ian Brennan, instead of seeking direct contact with the brothers.

Trusting the Script Over Direct Interaction

Bardem noted that the lack of direct resources about José Menéndez made it a challenge to fully grasp his character. “I knew I had to trust the research Ryan and Ian Brennan did. It was all there in the writing. So I said, ‘I don’t need to talk to anybody,’” Bardem explained.

The actor went on to admit that he was apprehensive about meeting the Menéndez brothers, expressing that while he wasn’t “scared,” he didn’t feel the need to engage with them personally. His role, he believed, was to stay focused on the script and the emotions conveyed by the writing.

Co-Stars Take a Different Approach

While Bardem opted not to visit the brothers, other cast members, like Cooper Koch, chose to meet with Lyle and Erik Menéndez in person. Koch, who portrays Erik Menéndez in the series, admitted to feeling nervous before his visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

Koch reflected on his experience: “I was so nervous before I got there. I had spoken to both of them, so I knew we already kind of had a camaraderie, and they knew where I stood. I told them I supported them and I believed them. I had a feeling they were going to welcome me with open arms, but still, so nerve-racking to meet someone who you’ve been listening to and are inspired by.”

A Bond with the Brothers

Despite his nerves, Koch shared that when he finally met Lyle and Erik, it was an emotionally powerful experience. “I was able to embrace both of them, and I sat beside Erik in a circle with other inmates sharing their experiences. They were incredibly kind. They truly are remarkable individuals,” Koch said.

A Complex and Sensitive Story

The portrayal of the Menéndez brothers in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story has sparked controversy, with Erik Menéndez himself calling the series “disheartening slander.” The brothers have expressed their disappointment in the way their lives are depicted in the show, and Erik’s emotional response is understandable, given the traumatic events that shaped their lives.

Koch, who has shown support for the brothers, acknowledged their feelings, saying, “I get it. I understand that he would feel that way. This is really tough stuff. This is his life, and his life has a lot of trauma. It’s a tragedy. And he’s still in prison, so I understand how difficult it would be. I stand with him.”

Javier Bardem’s preparation for his role as José Menéndez, the father of Lyle and Erik Menéndez, in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story was unique, as he initially knew little about the case. Coming from Spain, where the Menéndez story wasn’t widely covered, Bardem found limited information on José, with most resources focusing on his sons.

He relied heavily on the research done by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, trusting the script to shape his portrayal. Despite other cast members visiting Lyle and Erik in prison, Bardem chose not to meet them, feeling the material provided enough insight into José’s character. His approach focused on capturing the emotional complexity of a man at the center of a tragic family story.

 

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