Javier Bardem is currently starring in the Netflix series Monsters. Season 2 of the Ryan Murphy true crime anthology follows the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Bardem and Chloe Sevigny portray Jose and Kitty Menendez, who were killed by their sons in 1989. Rounding out the cast are Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, who play the Menendez brothers.
Filming the series brought the cast closer together, and Bardem took a shine to his onscreen son Chavez. This was a huge role for the 25-year-old, who previously worked on General Hospital. From 2021 to 2024, he played Spencer Cassadine on the ABC soap opera, which won him a Daytime Emmy.
Now that he’s working with big Hollywood names, it’s a bit intimidating for the young actor. But he’s already made a good impression on Bardem.
Javier Bardem Praises Nicholas Alexander Chavez’s Performance
The cast of Monsters is receiving praise for their performances of the Menendez family. Chavez has impressed viewers with his performance as Lyle Menendez, among his fans is his onscreen dad.
The co-stars recently chatted for Interview Magazine, and Bardem applauded Nicholas’ work.
I think it was one of the first things I texted you after I saw the episodes was that I was absolutely mesmerized by you. I utterly buy the fact that you are the older son and the man that wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. I saw this in the way you were acting, the way you were arguing, the way you were joking. The way you were, as you just beautifully said, performing that wrong idea of masculinity.
Chavez who had done extensive research and preparation for his role, was touched by Bardem’s words. “I have to tell you, when you called me and said that, I teared up a little bit,” he said. “The core thesis for me, for this character, was this relationship between the son and the father. They share that shield and armor, but they also both have this deep vulnerability that comes out.”
Javier went on to describe his young co-star as “fearless” and “creative.” The Oscar winner ended the interview with a bold prediction about Chavez’s future.
I’m so happy for you, man. People are going to be mesmerized by what you do as an actor and how you are as a person. It’s obvious you’re a loving man, as Cooper is.
Fans can watch Javier Bardem and Nicholas Alexander Chavez in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story now on Netflix.
