Monsters Star Nathan Lane Believes Lyle and Erik Menendez Deserve A Retrial: ‘They’ve Served 35 Years’

As a seasoned viewer of true crime dramas who has witnessed countless courtroom battles and the rise and fall of infamous criminals, I must say that Nathan Lane’s perspective on the Menendez brothers’ case is both insightful and thought-provoking. His experience as an actor portraying journalist Dominick Dunne in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story” provides a unique vantage point from which to consider this complex case.


After the airing of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, numerous individuals have expressed their opinions regarding the Menendez family’s case. Although one brother voiced criticism of the show while incarcerated, more recently, Nathan Lane has spoken publicly about this intriguing subject matter.

In the mentioned TV show, actor Nathan Lane (who portrays Dominick Dunne) expressed his belief that the Menendez brothers should have another chance at trial, stating to PEOPLE magazine: “They’ve been imprisoned for 35 years. The renewed interest in their case might work to their advantage.

As a committed follower, I’d like to share my perspective on a fascinating insight about the series: While it seemed that neither Erik nor Lyle appreciated their representation or the overall approach of the show, it might unexpectedly prove beneficial for them somehow.

Discussing the matter, Lane suggested that since the individuals were convicted many years ago, a modern jury – being more informed about both physical and emotional abuse – might reach a different verdict if they were to re-examine the case today.

Lane mentioned remembering the period when he watched the case unfold on television during the 1990s. At that time, people assumed the boys were responsible for the murders since they had fabricated details of the incidents and engaged in shopping sprees.

1993 saw the initial trial of Erik and Lyle, during which the judge ruled a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a consensus on their guilt for the murders. This meant that neither brother was officially convicted at that time.

In 1995, during their October trial, a jury determined that the Menendez brothers were guilty of premeditated murder in the first degree. As a result, they were sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison without any possibility of parole.

During their incarceration at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Erik has more recently expressed thoughts after the airing of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Chronicles.

Erik Menendez criticized the portrayal of Lyle by actor  Nicholas Alexander Chavez while stating that the series promotes misinformation. 

The brother had even mentioned that he feels sad for the “dishonest portrayal of the tragedies” depicted in the series. 

In response to what he said, Nathan Lane clarified that the show isn’t a true-to-life account (a documentary), but rather a dramatic interpretation of events.

The TV show “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story” recounts the tragic tale of siblings who murdered their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

In the Netflix show, Cooper Koch takes on the character of Erik, while Nicholas Alexander Chavez portrays Lyle. However, it’s Javier Bardem who plays their abusive dad, Jose, and Chloë Sevigny steps into the role of Kitty.

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2024-09-28 12:07