‘The Beauty’ Cast on the Show’s Campy Fashion Nods and Why Ryan Murphy ‘Just Makes What He Wants to See’ (Exclusive)

Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty has never been subtle. Between its glossy sci-fi premise, jaw-dropping twists, and unapologetically dramatic storytelling, the FX series has leaned all the way into spectacle. But as the finale drops and audiences process everything that unfolds, the cast says the show’s wild ending is exactly in line with Murphy’s signature vision.

And yes, that includes the camp.

Speaking with Gayety, stars Jessica Alexander, Jeremy Pope, and Anthony Ramos reflected on the shocking final moments of the series, the layered themes about beauty and power, and the subtle visual nods that queer viewers will absolutely clock.

The series explores a futuristic world where beauty becomes both a commodity and a weapon. The story blends romance, sci-fi, satire, and social commentary as characters wrestle with the cost of perfection.

By the finale, that commentary hits especially hard. Bella Hadid in The Beauty (FX) A Billionaire Twist

One of the biggest surprises of the final episode comes from the arc of the show’s billionaire antagonist, played by Ashton Kutcher.

Throughout the series, his character appears cold and unwavering in his mission to reshape the world through the mysterious beauty-altering technology at the story’s center. But in the finale, the character cracks in an unexpected moment of vulnerability.

“I was definitely surprised by that,” Ramos said of the shift. “I was not expecting that.”

Because the cast received scripts gradually, even they didn’t know where the story was headed until late in the shoot.

“We were getting the scripts as we went,” Ramos explained. “Weeks before we ended the show, we were like, ‘We don’t know how this ends.’” Ashton Kutcher in The Beauty (Photo: FX)

That uncertainty made the final reveal even more striking. Kutcher’s character suddenly shows regret about what he has created, particularly when the consequences begin affecting the people closest to him.

“To see that sadness and to see him go through that, I was like, wow,” Ramos said. “He played it like he didn’t care… like, ‘I’m perfect and I’m going to change the world.’ So it was cool to see that humanity in him.”

Alexander agrees the moment adds an ironic layer to the story’s critique of wealth and power.

“It’s kind of a commentary on how some of the world’s wealthy elite are not necessarily concerned with the negative impacts their creations are causing the world’s population,” she said. “But the moment it’s their nearest and dearest, then it’s a problem.” Jeremy Pope and Anthony Ramos in The Beauty (FX) Ryan Murphy’s Campy Visual Language

While the story delivers drama and social commentary, the show’s visual language may resonate most with queer viewers.

Murphy’s projects have long blended serious themes with hyper-stylized aesthetics, and The Beauty continues that tradition through fashion references and visual Easter eggs scattered throughout the show.

Alexander pointed out one standout moment involving a high-fashion cinematic reference.

“There’s a Givenchy chain metal recall to a Death Becomes Her costume moment,” she said. “High camp. High camp, niche cinematic fashion reference.”

For audiences paying attention, those details are intentional. The Beauty — “Beautiful Betrayal” — Season 1, Episode 11 (Airs Wed, March 4) — Pictured: Nicola Peltz Beckham as Franny 2. CR: FX

Pope explained that Murphy loves embedding pop culture references into emotionally intense scenes.

“He is a person that’s going to have a scene that is very emotional and triggering for the characters,” Pope said, “but she is dressed in a reference from Death Becomes Her for those who are paying attention.

“It’s those little nuances that mean a lot to him that are very pop culture referenced that make it feel camp,” Pope added. “It’s like, if you know, you know.” Why Queer Audiences Gravitate to Ryan Murphy

Murphy’s work has long resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences, and the cast believes that comes from his commitment to telling stories on his own terms.

“I really admire that he always follows through with his vision,” Pope said.

Rather than chasing trends or trying to please every critic, Murphy creates what excites him creatively.

“He makes what he wants to see,” Pope explained. “There’s an audience and they want this, that, the third, but he’s led by what speaks to him.” The Beauty — “Beautiful Billionaires” — Season 1, Episode 5 (Airs Wed, Feb 4) — Pictured: Isabella Rossellini as Franny Forst. CR: Eric Liebowitz/FX

That creative freedom has allowed Murphy to shape television in ways that often center marginalized stories.

“As a queer person, everything we do is unconventional until it’s not,” Pope said. “Ballroom was unconventional until you saw it on Pose and now it becomes something people have access to.”

That same spirit carries over into The Beauty, which blends genres, identities, and perspectives into a chaotic and compelling world.

As Alexander put it, the show ultimately offers “a character for everyone to latch onto.” The Beauty — “Beautiful Beauty Day” — Season 1, Episode 10 (Airs Wed, March 4) — Pictured: Jessica Alexander as Jordan Bennett. CR: Eric Liebowitz/FX A Global Response

While fans are still processing the finale, the cast says the response has already been overwhelming.

Pope noted the show’s international success has been particularly exciting.

“It’s wildly successful internationally,” he said. “To have a show that is number one in other countries and they’re resonating with this thematic journey of exploring beauty and talking about it—that makes it really cool.”

And sometimes, the best feedback comes from the people closest to them. Ramos recalled a message from a former teacher after she finished the final episode.

“She said, ‘Holy f—ing Beauty, this show,’” he laughed. “She was like, ‘I just finished the last episode… I’m so impressed by you, by everyone. Wow.’”

With a finale that blends emotional twists, biting social commentary, and campy fashion references, The Beauty ends exactly how a Ryan Murphy show should: dramatically, stylishly, and with plenty for fans to unpack.

And if the cast has anything to say about it, audiences are just getting started. The Beauty — “Beautiful Living Rooms” — Season 1, Episode 7 (Airs Wed, Feb 18) — Pictured: Jeremy Pope as Jeremy. CR: FX

Source