Why Naomi Watts Is "Thrilled" to Be a Part of Ryan Murphy's Haunting New Show

The Ring's Naomi Watts gave a small tease about her haunting new role in Ryan Murphy's latest limited series for Netflix.

By Alyssa Ray Sep 14, 2021 11:45 PMTags
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We'll have to wait more than seven days to see Naomi Watts in Ryan Murphy's new limited series, but it should be worth it.

The Ring actress got us excited about her return to the horror genre thanks to her recent tease about the upcoming show, titled The Watcher. As Watts told EW, it was The Cut's 2018 article about Maria and Derek Broaddus that compelled her to join the project.

"Yeah, that article is so freaky," she said. "That's what got me in."

For those unfamiliar with the harrowing tale, after purchasing their dream home in New Jersey, Mr. and Mrs. Broaddus were tormented by a series of threatening letters that were written by an anonymous author, known simply as "The Watcher." The first menacing missive arrived in June 2014, before the couple was able to move into the abode with their three children.

As the unwanted messages continued, the family chose not to move into the residence, rather, they stayed with Maria's parents. After investigations and a lawsuit brought about little to no results for Maria and Derek, they finally sold the home in 2019.

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2021 TV Premiere Dates

So, we can understand why Watts called the story "freaky!" And with one of the geniuses behind American Horror Story leading the project, it promises to be a spooktacular good time.

"I'm only just now getting into prep, we're going to start shooting soon," Watts, who will star opposite Bobby Cannavale, added. "It's exciting, I can't say much more."

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However, she could say that she's "thrilled to be working with Ryan," as "he seems to have the Midas touch." Not to mention, Watts certainly isn't a stranger to the horror genre.

The 52-year-old actress became a scream queen great thanks to her role in 2002's The Ring. In the horror hit, Watts plays journalist Rachel Keller, who investigates an ominous videotape that eerily causes the watcher's death seven days later. The film performed well, inspiring a spinoff, The Ring Two.

Watts has also starred in the horror films Funny GamesDream House and Shut In.

She concluded, "It's a genre that you know I love."

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