When Netflix and Joe Berlinger’s Ted Bundy drama, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, hits the streaming service and select theaters later this year, it’ll be rated R for “disturbing/violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language.”
That’s the official word from the MPAA (h/t Film Ratings), confirming that Berlinger and Netflix have no intention of shying away from the grisly details of Bundy’s notorious offenses. Of course, the streaming platform is overly familiar with the infamous serial killer, having recently launched the four-part documentary series, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.
The big difference this time around is that, while Berlinger and Netflix are both involved, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile is a narrative account of Bundy’s crimes with Zac Efron in the title role. And, if nothing else, he certainly looks the part.
We haven’t seen much of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile thus far, but based on the A-list cast (more on that later), we’re quietly confident that Netflix and Co. will deliver the goods. And no, it won’t glorify Ted Bundy’s heinous actions.
Casting-wise, Efron is joined by John Malkovich as Edward Cowart, Jim Parsons as Larry Simpson, Jeffrey Donovan as John O’Connell, and Grace Victoria Cox as Carol Daronch. There’s also room for Kaya Scodelario as Carole Ann Boone, Haley Joel Osment as Jerry Thompson, Dylan Baker as David Yocom, Terry Kinney as Det. Mike Fisher, and Metallica alum James Hetfield as Officer Bob Hayward.
Following a world premiere at Sundance back in January, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile is slated to hit Netflix before the year’s end. The Powers That Be have yet to announce a specific ETA, but we’ll notify you if and when that changes – ditto for the planned theatrical release.
