Cooper Koch responds to a possible return as Erik Menendez in potential bonus episodes for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Following the season 2 release of Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology show, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced a new court hearing for the real-life Menendez brothers. Upon learning of the news, Murphy revealed his interest in potentially returning to the brother’s story for one, or two, potential bonus episodes. While he “wants to see how this story ends because this story is not over,” he also noted that the episodes would only happen if both Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez were interested in reprising their roles.

While speaking with Variety, however, Koch shot down any chances of him returning to the role of Erik Menendez. Suggesting that they already “told that story,” the actor revealed that he was ready to move on from his role in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and look toward his next project. He also expressed his excitement for the real-life brothers and hoped to see their possible release. Check out his comments below:

I think we told the story, We did it. I think I’m ready to go onto the next thing. I’ve loved talking about it and I’ve loved advocating for them and I’m really excited for them to get out hopefully, but in terms of being Erik again, I think I’m ready to let that go.

What Cooper Koch’s Comments Mean For Monster Season 2’s Potential Return

Netflix May Still Decide To Move Forward Without Him

At first glance, Koch’s unwillingness to return as Erik Menendez would appear to shoot down hopes for any Monsters season 2 bonus episodes. Not only has Murphy been clear that his willingness to return to the Menendez brothers was contingent on being able to lure his original stars back, but the show’s creator likely already has his hands full with the imminent production start date on Monster season 3. With filming on the season 3 set to get underway this Halloween, any potential return to the Menendez brothers’ storyline would likely need to wait until later in 2025 at the earliest.

Should the streamer decide to add on to their existing Monsters episodes based on the outcome of the brothers’ new hearing, it is even possible that they might roll the episodes’ release into a broader strategy for the Charlie Hunnam-led Monster season 3.

However, given that the real-life brothers will not have their new hearing until November 29, and its outcome is still undetermined, such a wait would always have been necessary. Additionally, the 35-year gap between the Monsters season finale and any modern-day return to their tale would probably be best served by recasting the key roles. As such, there is still some potential that Netflix c 

Lyle & Erik Menendez have been incarcerated since receiving life sentences in 1996 but are closer than ever to being released after Monsters season 2.

Should the streamer decide to add on to their existing Monsters episodes based on the outcome of the brothers’ new hearing, it is even possible that they might roll the episodes’ release into a broader strategy for the Charlie Hunnam-led Monster season 3. Releasing the season 2 bonus episode(s) just ahead of season 3’s own streaming debut would likely help reignite interest in the show ahead of its next season.

Our Take On Monsters’ Bonus Episodes Happening Without Cooper Koch

It Still May Be Best To Leave The Menendez Brothers Behind

While it is still possible that the Monsters bonus episodes could proceed without Koch, the biggest drawback to any such plan would be public perception and the potential for additional backlash. Already, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has generated considerable controversy, and a potential return would likely only exacerbate the show’s assorted criticisms.

Instead, perhaps Murphy should remain fixed on his plans for Ed Gein’s story in Monster season 3, and leave the Menendez brothers’ continuing saga untouched. Given that it has been nearly 70 years since the crimes of his show’s next subject were committed, Murphy may even be able to avoid many of the same concerns raised over Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’s portrayal of its still living subjects.