Ryan Murphy’s latest FX series The Beauty wasted no time shocking audiences with its bold storytelling. Premiering January 21, the body horror thriller introduced viewers to FBI agent Jordan Bennett, played by Rebecca Hall, only to deliver a jaw-dropping twist by episode two.
A Sudden Transformation
Jordan Bennett begins the series investigating mysterious deaths in the fashion world alongside her partner Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters). The victims, including Ruby (Bella Hadid), all succumb to a strange virus that transforms their bodies before killing them. Jordan’s fate takes a shocking turn when she is seduced by a stranger in Venice. After their encounter, she unknowingly contracts the virus. In a violent transformation sequence, her body convulses before revealing a younger, more beautiful version of herself — now portrayed by Jessica Alexander.
Hall on the Twist
Hall admitted she was surprised by the decision to replace her character so early. “It really sort of feels like I’m gonna be in the show as me all the way through,” she told PEOPLE. “And so it’s really surprising that Ryan decided to make it happen so quickly into the show. It’s a real punch.” She described filming the transformation scenes as physically demanding. “There was a lot of twisting required,” Hall said, noting that the sequences are “really awful to watch.” Peters added that the scenes were “painful and violent,” underscoring the horror element of the show.
Collaboration With Ryan Murphy
Hall praised Murphy’s collaborative approach, saying he encouraged her to bring her own personality to the role. “The thing that really sold it to me, he was like, ‘I want you to be you and bring whatever you want to it,’” she recalled. She described the experience as refreshing, calling the series “the apex of Ryan Murphy.”
Jordan Bennett’s Character
Though her time on-screen was brief, Hall enjoyed playing Jordan. “She’s quite self-possessed and witty and she was fun to inhabit,” Hall said. She described Jordan as a feminist whose independence sometimes made it difficult to express emotions. Her dynamic with Cooper, who harbored feelings for her, added a layer of heartbreak to her sudden departure.
What’s Next
With Jordan gone, Cooper is left devastated. Peters teased that the tragedy “amplifies the need to solve the case,” even if it means going rogue. The series continues to explore the virus’s impact on the fashion industry while pushing its characters into darker territory. New episodes of The Beauty air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FX and stream on Hulu, leading up to the season finale on March 4.
