The OJ Simpson story, as you may know, is coming to FX. Cuba Gooding Jr. is playing Simpson and Sarah Paulson is taking the role of failed prosecutor Marcia Clark. The 10 part series is Ryan Murphy’s “American Crime Story,” the next series that replaces “American Horror Story.”
But there’s more. I am told that an offer is out to “Friends” star David Schwimmer to play Simpson friend, lawyer and possible co-conspirator Robert Kardashian (yes, he left us that family of tacky, avaricious publicity hounds). If Schwimmer doesn’t commit, I’ve heard that Tim Roth has actually asked to play the part.
On top of that, the word is that Murphy wants Samuel L. Jackson to play Johnny Cochran, Simpson’s famous lawyer who coined the phrase: “If it doesn’t fit you must acquit.” No word if Jackson will take the role. An offer is also out for someone to play Kato Kaelin.
Sources say there will be no Nicole Brown or Ronald Goldman cast as the story takes place beginning on the morning after the murders. There are no flashbacks, either. It’s just everything moving forward from June 12, 1994 through the trial and Simpson’s acquittal.
Simpson, it must be pointed out, has nothing to do with the series, and won’t benefit financially. He remains in prison on his kidnapping and armed robbery charges in a separate incident.