In 2017,Ryan Murphy,Jaffe Cohen, andMichael Zamcreated theFeudanthology series, starting withBette and Joan, a true story about the rivalry between two Hollywood actresses from the 30s to the 70s. The series faired very well, with star actressesJessica Lange(American Horror Story: Coven)andSusan Sarandon(Thelma & Louise), it won two Primetime Emmys. That same year, the series was renewed for a second season, and after a long wait, it was announced thatFeudwould return with its new season,Capote Vs. The Swans.
Truman Capotewas a novelist and a screenwriter, well known forBreakfast At Tiffany’s,but perhaps less known was his love life. However, authorLaurence Leamerdocumented his scandalous affairs in the novelCapote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era. Taking from the stories of Capote and his group of aristocratic women he dubbed the swans, the series plays out the secret intimate moments that he turned into literature at the expense of his social status. After such a great success in the first season ofthe series,Feud: Capote Vs. The Swanswill feature a long list of iconic actors, so we’ve taken the dive to reveal their roles in the upcoming season.
An anthology series centering on famous feuds, including Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, and Truman Capote and the New York elite.
Watch on FX
Naomi Watts as Barbara “Babe” Paley
Naomi Wattsstars asBarbara “Babe” Paley, the unofficial leader of the swans. Paley was a prime player in the New York fashion scene and an editor for American Vogue. She marriedWilliam S. Paley, CEO of CBS Broadcasting Inc., and togetherclimbed to the top of the social ladder in New York’s high society.
Born in England and raised in Australia, Naomi Watts began her career in Aussie film and television during the 80s, starring inHey Dad..!andFor Love Alone. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that she made her breakthrough when she starred inMulholland Driveas Betty Elms. She continued her success through the 2000s withThe Ring,21 Grams,Eastern Promises, andKing Kong. In the 2010s, she hasn’t slowed down with roles inThe Impossible,Birdman,St. Vincent,While We’re Young,The Glass Castle, andLuce. Recently, Watts began starring in theNetflix thriller seriesThe Watcherand is set to play a role in the upcoming French dramaEmmanuelle.
Tom Hollander as Truman Capote
Tom Hollanderwill portrayTruman Capote,the novelist whose famous bookBreakfast At Tiffany’slaunched him into the elite class of New York social life, along with his final and arguably most famous novel,In Cold Blood. Capote used his status and writing style to weave between fact and fiction, creating stories about high-status socialites he encountered, which eventually caused a rift when his stories began to be released, henceCapote Vs. The Swans.
Born in England, Hollander started his acting journey in the theater, honing his craft and earning a BAFTA award. Film and television during the late 1980s set the stage for his breakthrough moment in Robert Altman’sGosford Parkas Lt. Commander Anthony Meredith, earning him widespread acclaim. Hollander’s versatility became evident in later roles such asPride & Prejudiceas Mr. Collins andthePirates of the Caribbeanseriesas Cutler Beckett, complemented by television parts, notably as Reverend Adam Smallbone inRev. Recently, he had a role inThe King’s Manand starred inthe second season ofThe White Lotusas Quentin.
Diane Lane as Nancy ‘Slim’ Keith
Diane Laneplays the Californian girlNancy ‘Slim’ Keith, who was known for simply being a jet-set fashion icon. Briefly married to directorHoward Hawks, Slim would frequently be seen with famed writerErnest Hemingwayand eventually married agent and producerLeland Hayward. Her fallout with Capote came when his literature revealed a character clearly based on Slim, who depicted her negatively.
Perfect for the role of another New York socialite, Diane Lane started her film career in that very city, starring as Lauren King inA Little Romanceat just 14 years old. With other parts during the 80s in films likeStreets of Fire,The Big Town, andLady Beware,her career took another jump when she played Lorena Wood in the miniseriesLonesome Dove. Since then, she has had numerous large parts, includingMan of Steelas Martha Kent, which led to more parts with the same role in the DC Extended Universe. She also performed the voice of Riley’s mom inInside Outand will reprise the role in the upcoming sequel. Apart fromFeud: Capote Vs. The SwansLane has been busy working on the upcoming thriller,Anniversaryand another miniseries calledA Man in Full.
Chloë Sevigny as C.Z. Guest
Chloë Sevignywill take on the role ofC.Z. Guest, a highly talented socialite whose resume includes fashion designer, author, actress, and more. Her elite status was solidified by the company she kept, not to mention her marriage withWinston Frederick Churchill Guest, a relative ofSir Winston Churchill. Capote appeared to be envious of her lifestyle, commenting in his scandalous release that, despite her charitable efforts, she was merely just another self-centered rich girl.
Sevigny started with dreams of breaking into the New York fashion scene and, after working as a seamstress in Brooklyn, eventually landed a role in the indie filmKidsas Jennie. Her other biggest roles include Jean inAmerican Psychowith more parts inZodiac,Lizzie,The Dead Don’t Die,Love & Friendship,Golden Exits, and more recently, Jen inThe True Adventures of Wolfboy,not to mention she’ll be in the upcoming filmBonjour Tristesse.
Calista Flockhart as Lee Radziwill
Calista Flockhartwill playLee Radziwill, the younger sister ofJackie Kennedy, who, in her own right, became an icon. She had moderate success as an actress as well as an interior designer and also followedThe Rolling Stoneson tour with Truman Capote.
Flockhart is arguably most famous for her leading role inAlly McBealand Kitty Walker inBrothers & Sisters. More recently, she has played Cat Grant inSupergirland has an upcoming voice-acting role inInvincible.
Demi Moore as Ann “Bang-Bang” Woodward
Demi Moorewill play the highly controversial socialiteAnn “Bang-Bang” Woodward, who, despite her beauty in modeling and acting, clawed her way into the elite social class of New York. While many were convinced she had marriedWilliam Woodward Jr., a wealthy banker’s son, for his money, the controversy really gained traction when she shot and killed her husband. The incident was ruled an accident, but even more drama unfolds when Capote weighs in on her story.
Moore was famous for being a member ofThe Brat Pack,which included a group of teen actors that appeared in numerous films during the 80s, likeBlame It on Rio,St. Elmo’s Fire, andAbout Last Night…Her most notable roles include Molly Jensen inGhost, Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway inA Few Good Men, Diana Murphy inIndecent Proposal, Meredith Johnson inDisclosure, and Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil inG.I. Jane. She also acted alongsideNicolas CageandPedro PascalinThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talentand will soon star in a horror film titledThe Substance.
Molly Ringwald as Joanne Carson
Molly Ringwald’scharacter,Joanne Carson, was a model as well as a television host who was actually the second wife ofJohnny Carson. She was close to Capote and allowed him to write using a room in her home until his passing in 1984.
Ringwald is known for her roles as Samantha Baker inSixteen Candles, Claire Standish inThe Breakfast Club, Andie Walsh inPretty in Pink, Miranda Hampson inThe Pick-up Artist, and Darcy Elliott inFor Keeps. Her most recent film was the horrorBad Things,and she will have a role in the upcoming movieMontauk.
Treat Williams as William S. Paley
Treat WilliamsplaysWilliam S. Paley, the CBS executive married to Barbara “Babe” Paley, who also remained a prominent playboy in New York.
Williams played Danny Ciello inPrince of the City, Nick D’Salvio inOnce Upon a Time in America, and Jake inSmooth Talk.Feud: Capote vs. The Swanswill be his final role since his passing in the summer of 2023 due to a motorcycle accident.
Joe Mantello as Jack Dunphy
Joe Mantellostars asJack Dunphy, who was famously an American playwright and novelist. Dunphy was Capote’s closest friend and partner formore than 30 years. He got his start in dance but quickly changed his focus on writing stories and plays — many of which were produced off-Broadway.
Mantello is an award-winning Broadway director and actor. Some of his directing credits includeWicked,Assassins,Take Me Out, andWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, among many others. As for his acting, he’s appeared inThe Watcher,American Horror Story: NYC, andThe Normal Heart.
Russell Tovey as John O’Shea
Russell ToveyplaysJohn O’Shea, a married banker from Long Island. O’Shea started off as Capote’s business manager but soon turned into his lover. Eventually, he left his family to be with Capote and refused to help them financially.
Tovey has an eclectic background in television, film, and theater. He is an award-winning actor who most recently starred as Patrick Read inAmerican Horror Story: NYC. You may have also seen him inAllelujah,Starstruck,The Sister, orThe Fortress. When he’s not acting, he spends his time collecting art and co-hosting an art podcast called “Talk Art” withRobert Diament.
