Devil in Disguise trailer teases serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s horrific crimes in the Peacock series

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy teaser trailer is all sorts of creepy and horrifying, setting the stage for Michael Chernus as one of the deadliest murderers. The Peacock series will follow the story of John Wayne Gacy and the harrowing stories of his victims. The show is slated to release on October 16, 2025, with eight episodes.

In the teaser trailer of Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Chernus will briefly appear as the serial killer when he opens the door to someone looking for him. The actor is known for his roles in Orange Is the New Black and Severance. The cast for the series also includes Marin Ireland, James Badge Dale, Chris Sullivan, Gabriel Luna, and Michael Angarano.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will be executive produced by Patrick Macmanus, who will also be taking on the duties of showrunner and writer. Macmanus is known for his other crime series, such as Dr. Death and The Girl from Plainville.

What is Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy about?

John Wayne Gacy was an American serial killer who murdered 33 boys and young men in Chicago in the 1970s. Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will tell the distressing stories of the victims and their families, who underwent mental turmoil during the period. The series will begin with the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy in 1978, which leads the police to John Wayne Gacy.

Even after decades, John Wayne Gacy remains one of the more dreaded serial killers in American history. As a matter of fact, Chernus was highly reluctant to portray the role as well. However, after meeting Macmanus, he decided to take on the role. While speaking to Vanity Fair, Chernus recalled,

“He said to me, ‘Gacy’s not going to be at the center of this, so you won’t be in every scene.’ And to me that was such a huge relief. That’s where some of my experience as a supporting actor really came into this. I didn’t feel like it had to be all about me or about my character. With this story, I didn’t want it to be.”

Macmanus shared that he wanted the new series to focus on the victims and wanted to take a more sensitive approach. He said,

“The ultimate goal was to ensure that when people left our show, they saw more than a name. They saw more than a number. They saw more than a life associated with this horrendous tragedy, with this absolutely evil man.”

Synopsis of the show as per Peacock states,

“From 1972-1978, thirty-three young men were kidnapped, murdered and buried in a crawl space beneath their killer's house. And no one was the wiser. Not for all those years. Why? He was charming and funny. Had a good, All-American job. Was a community leader. He even volunteered to entertain sick kids...while dressed as a clown. DEVIL IN DISGUISE: JOHN WAYNE GACY peels back the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims; exploring the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends; and exposing the systemic failures, missed opportunities and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror.”

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will premiere on October 16, 2025, on Peacock.

ALSO READ: Why Peggy Hill remains TV’s most annoying cringe character in King of the Hill

Trending

For more stories on shows, follow SoapCentral

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback