Cast of ‘Monsters’ talk Lyle and Erik Menendez series, controversy

Javier Bardem, Cooper Koch, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez join TODAY to discuss Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and address Erik Menendez’s criticism of its portrayal of the tragedies.
» Subscribe to TODAY: / @today
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: www.today.com/
Find TODAY on Facebook: / today
Follow TODAY on Twitter: / todayshow
Follow TODAY on Instagram: / todayshow
» Stream TODAY All Day: www.today.com/...
About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.
#monsters #netflix #menendezbrothers

[@_monamono_2382]

Cooper seems like a very humble guy. I’m happy that he took authentic approach to the role and didn’t take anything personal from Erik’ statement about the show

[@delsmontgomery]

cooper is such a cutie patootie

[@laurenmontera9516]

Borrowing a quote from"The Naked Brothers Band" calling him, "Super Cooper".

[@talkswithannie4429]

He’s gorgeous

[@Exodemer]

nicholas would play a perfect Patrick Bateman

[@gwendee5070]

you mean Tom cruise lol

[@KyleALarkins]

I’ve never wanted a remake of that movie until now 🙌🏻

[@paulpowell6418]

Couldn't agree more. Opening scene cemented that for me

[@marcusporras9571]

Dont need a remake. Could play younger bateman. ​@@KyleALarkins

[@_monamono_2382]

Cooper’s smile just melted my heart 🫠❤️

[@raquel_becks]

I'm glad Cooper supports them, I just wish the other actors would do the same...

[@delsmontgomery]

I do love how much Cooper is supporting them outside of this role. He's also very empathetic when talking about them. I bet you when Kim K invited Cooper, he probably also invited Nicholas to join too, I'm assuming Nicholas turned it down. There's probably a good reason Nicholas doesn't want to get involved in real life, and I respect that. He's separating the art from himself, and if he needs to do that in order to emotionally move on from a rollercoaster of a show, then so be it. He also probably knows that the portrayal of Lyle is not everyone's favorite. But tbh he had nothing to do with it, Ryan Murphy directed him and wrote his lines

[@NaticzkaKaminskaHenryDolphin]

@@gennie4024 stop inventing fantasties in your head. nicolas is wonderful actor but he doesn;t need to have an opinion or support them, he simply doesn't know as no one really knows the truth, period.

[@MoniqueM14490]

True, there might be more to the story that Nicholas doesn’t want to say.

[@NatDelfin]

@@gennie4024 Nicolas is way better! he played Lyle brilliantly, and he actually did say he feels for Lyle and Eric, in another interview. but go on, because clearly, you know everything, you airhead!

[@delsmontgomery]

@@NatDelfin & @ gennie4024, Okay let's not compare the duo or say one's better than the other. They are both brilliant, and when they were both on screen, they were even more powerful. They both deserve praise for their phenomenal performance. We don't know them in real life, so no need to have expectations on people you don't know. The people around them clearly enjoy both of their company, i'm sure they are both great people. Let the art do the talking, leave them both alone

[@gwendee5070]

!!!Nicholas faced a lot of negativity on social media after the show was released, especially regarding his portrayal. People need to be kind and remember that he was working under the direction of showrunners, writers, researchers and directors, who asked him to portray Lyle in a specific way. If he's not saying much publicly, it’s likely because he's trying to stay neutral. You can tell he’s been through a lot, and at only 25 years old, he’s younger than Cooper, who’s 28. Nicholas only has social media and Cooper doesn't have a public profile or maybe it's hidden or under an alias name. No one really knows what happened to the parents except for the brothers themselves. The show presented several versions of events to highlight how sources and accounts differed. Even the brothers changed their stories before and during the trial, so it’s important to keep in mind that not everything is clear-cut.

[@PaolaGarcia-ex7et]

THIS!!!!

[@malik250988]

Why is nicholas so serious today😂😂😂

[@MoniqueM14490]

I’ve seen some other interviews with him. He does come across as a serious guy. Maybe he is naturally reserved.

[@pbandj597]

NAC is not a big social guy, so he tried to be as reserved as he can, he does not like a whole lot of attention

[@_monamono_2382]

He seems a little hurt. I guess it has something to do with Erik’s statement and a backlash from public all regarding Lyle’s character in the show. I actually feel bad for him, show runners basically set him up with that writing

[@gwendee5070]

Nicholas got a lot of heat on his social media, his agent probably has told him to be neutral with his comments

[@pbandj597]

@@gwendee5070 hey, I’m not on social media, what heat did he receive? And also, every series that has come out on Netflix has received mixed reviews, but have all managed to be in the top 5 for viewership??? I wish people would just watch and keep the comments to themselves, all of the actors did a phenomenal job, copper and nac were chosen out of 500 actors internationally. That is huge. I am a Nicholas fan and I know he is working really hard to build his career just like everyone else.

[@chaoticfangurl567]

Cooper seems so sweet. I liked what he said about erik's statement

[@gabbe5130]

Can we talk about the 33 minute scene of episode 5, no breaks, just one epic shot? Cooper was beyond phenomenal ! Good thing he believes Erik !

[@laurencegarnier33]

Exactly ! Instead of the same stupid journalists questions on the fake controversy

[@mishellashka]

YES

[@ct6852]

For real. I kept waiting for the cut and was shocked when it never came. That's really embodying a character.

[@TheKristenColleen]

What is up with Nicholas? He shut down the question of connecting with Lyle REALLY QUICK, which I understand (although I respect Cooper Koch for his outreach more). However, for the remainder of the segment, Nicholas didn't smile or have any emotions whatsoever. Granted, he wasn't impolite, but it was odd that he just stared with dead eyes for most of the interview.

[@ld7553]

It seems there’s something going on, he’s obviously not happy.

[@MoniqueM14490]

Yeah, there might be more to the story that he doesn’t want to say. Maybe Lyle was the one that doesn’t want to meet him. Or might be an awkward experience considering how Lyle was portrayed on the series.

[@JCarvalho8]

Yes, I noticed the same. It feels like it might have something to do with Cooper....that's my raw pov. Something happened backstage.

[@PandaMirror-xd5db]

maybe because he is being interviewed about a show about two killers?

[@lisacox3750]

This is how Nicholas is though. He is a naturally reserved person and it is clear some of the criticism has bothered him. He is still really new to all of this and needs to be advised better on how to deal with the media. I used to be in media so I see it - he’s uncomfortable in general.

[@pauliegomez]

Cooper was cute and always smiling and Nicholas was so serious 😭

[@reppinNY]

Nicholas got so much potential i hope he do more movies or acting on Netflix he will look good doing horror or action movies n i can see cooper doing a romance movie

[@andyhughes8433]

Javier Bardem is an absolute legend!

[@ITMacPro-NYC]

It feels like all three had a rough time in these roles. Nicholas really wants to move on and he did such a terrific job.

[@editsbyerin]

3:12 the people in the back 😂

[@nileyfan1998]

Cooper just smiling omg ❤

[@Rubyquantrill]

I’m so happy that he believes that they were sexually abused I’m glad he got the role

[@MeMe-y7u9n]

they were both adults and could've left but decided to murder their parents..in cold blood. Rip to the parents

[@ScarlettEmeraldASMR]

So because they were abused those parents deserved it? Bs

[@radiatedspore]

@@ScarlettEmeraldASMR yeah for some reason people think abuse excuses murder. We live in a very sick world.

[@jakestroll6518]

​@@MeMe-y7u9n That's not how complex PTSD works

[@aracelyguerrero360]

​@@ScarlettEmeraldASMR where is his comment does it say theu deserved it? Fang. Just because we believe they were abused people automatically assumed the parents deserved it. NO they didn't. But that's what happened. They paid now let them free. Life is ridiculous.

[@ihi1559]

Nicholas is a phenomenal actor

[@sonaraja7453]

The mind-blowing performance by the guy playing Erik. Hats off

[@santbr]

All of them are AMAZING actors, including the "mom" but Javier and Nicholas' performances were incredibly outstanding, they without a doubt are "monsters" in acting!!!!

[@NatDelfin]

yep, they both are the best!

[@CC-bu1uj]

Is Nicholas alright? He looks as if he didn't want to be there while Cooper was all smile and playful!

[@ross23233]

he seem to be under a lot of stress

[@JohnSmith-xg9wx]

He just fired his stylist for sending him out there in blue jeans, white socks and black shoes. He was still angry.

[@Tere999]

@@ross23233Wouldn’t you be if some old guy said you weren’t even “born yet” as if he knows everything.

[@val-hr4xe]

nicholas is so hotttt

[@MoniqueM14490]

NAC is ridiculously handsome.

[@blobhead7421]

Ew

[@russelconor8704]

I 'love' how once again, people here are spreading their own agenda and lies! Nicolas is wonderful as well, where did he say he doesn't? he simply doesn't know, and actually, I read the interview with him yesterday, online, and he said he does feel for Lyle and Eric. stop spreading lies!

[@SupriyaAN]

The guy who played Erik did a great job, brilliant performance. Also, he is cute!

[@annadidyana518]

yess. cute and talented 🥰

[@amxvdo]

cooper is so cute😭😭

[@adamashman]

coopers like a little puppy I love him

[@Cal_Night]

Massive respect to Cooper in this interview

[@Cal_Night]

I searched up the Green space project that Cooper mentioned and I really hope the meeting went well. American prisons can be brutal and having a system like we have in Norway can really improve rehabilitation for the inmates.

[@_monamono_2382]

Why at first they looked at the camera so intensely 😂😅

[@Huy0617]

Yes maybe he is nervous or had a bad day?

[@Cyb3rLove29]

Nic looks so serious😭 and didn’t seem to smile at all

[@delsmontgomery]

this is a very serious show. He knows there's a lot of negativity his way online because they don't like the portrayal of Lyle. People are idiots if they throw hate in his direction because it is not his fault - Ryan Murphy made the "character," and Nic just acted his heart out. Maybe he wanted to stay neutral because he knew he didn't want any more backlash his way?

[@benioren6120]

Hahaha Nicholas gave such an eloquent answer, borderline verbose but I think he pulled it off

[@pbandj597]

@@benioren6120 prince cassadine mode👑

[@Cyb3rLove29]

I love how coop is so smiley

[@billiebuffalo]

All I can say is, thank god cooper does not have socials because I would be stalking him 24/7. His smile just gives me fuzzy feelings 😊

[@paulinagotelli]

Cooper seems so nice

[@hnc52]

Emmy for Cooper!

[@NatDelfin]

Nicolas played Lyle brilliantly, and he actually did say he feels for Lyle and Eric, in another interview. but go on, because clearly, you know everything, you airheads in the comments!

[@Blue-dc3rh]

The portrayal of Lyle was an absolute disaster. The journalist who has covered this case since 1989 has said that the characters on Monsters are nothing like the real personalities of Erik and Lyle he met in 1989. Everyone involved in Monsters should apologize for slandering Lyle's character, in real life he was said to be the opposite way

[@AgoS_Tina]

Cooper is so cute guy.

[@lfedits1353]

Love the guy who played Erik, he potrayed him extremelly well and he seems like a good guy. I hate how the interviewer cut him off when he said he met Lyle and Erik, would have loved to hear about that experience. I hope he gets his own interview to talk openly about that. Respect.

[@radiatedspore]

I don't care what people think of the actual series, these actors are so good. It isn't a documentary.

[@Sam_Martyn]

Shame it’s made by someone who’s morally bankrupt

[@Blue-dc3rh]

You have no morals if you defend this series, they turned a tragic real story that involves child abuse and turned it into a sexualized incestuous fanfiction full of lies

[@donavanalkatib]

I've seen Nicholas in previous interviews being more bubbly and happy, idk why he looks down and not as enthusiastic on this intreview.

[@Reenaxox]

They did so well !!

[@Huy0617]

Cooper really looks a sweet and friendly guy. The way he was smiling the whole time in this interview melts my heart! And also I'm glad Cooper believes the Menendez brothers and also support them. Also meeting them in jail is also very kind of him. I'm a new fan of Cooper haha!

[@LeanneChristian-ob2pb]

Cooper is awesome seems like a great guy Nicholas looks miserable as always. 🤣😂

[@milee8184]

Cooper is a cute baby... his smile is everything

[@theghettoracle]

The acting in this series by the entire cast made everything flow so naturally and believable, killer performances(no pun intended).

[@leotang2818]

Cooper absolutely nailed it in episode 5: The Hurt Man. It appears like it was a continuous scene of over 30 minutes long!!!! How does an actor remember so much dialogue !!?! I was very impressed with the series and all the main cast !!!

[@cooley685]

They all deserve awards

[@MoniqueM14490]

I’m sure they will be nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes.

[@gennie4024]

Cooper comes across as very genuine, kind person. The way he smiling the entire video while the other one looks annoyed... I admire how vocal he is about his support for the brothers, He's a REAL one for sure, what a sweetheart.

[@johnlewis195]

They were born after 1989...God I'm getting old...I was 16 in 1989

[@nellyville69]

Nicholas has the same personality as Lyle serious but mysterious and cooper Just use his emotions to attract the audience he much different than Erik

[@BrandonAustinG]

Dang, Nicholas really seems like he would literally be anywhere else but there. The way he keeps looking at something off camera too, and looks peeved 🤣

[@Camis011]

Javier looks so much better with this beard

[@valerievlogsYT]

I remember. When Evan Peters did Dahmer he had to go to therapy after filming.

[@katfanker]

Far out, he was incredible!!!

[@OrockJimmy-vu8hu]

Cooper 😁 Nicolas 😐

[@Simmerany]

Is not trying to be mean or putting anything out there it’s just what I observed. I don’t know if anyone agrees but I felt the actor who was “Erik” looks so interested and invested in the story and trying to be accurate representing his character, whereas the actors that was “Lyle” just sees it as a job and does not want to be sucked in the story and the drama surrounding it. Just saying. I find that very interesting for some reason.

[@_monamono_2382]

@@Simmerany same. Two completely different approaches

[@Simmerany]

@@_monamono_2382 exactly

[@delsmontgomery]

Two different approaches, but the same phenomenal performances. As long as it doesn't affect the art, then it should not matter to the audience. They both acted so crazy well on the show

[@pbandj597]

NAC NAC NAC! Die hard gh fan here ☺️

[@thats_suber]

Lol seems like damage control

[@IreZico]

Nicholas seemed abit not rude or anything but unhappy. Being introduced not even a half smile. Wonder whats up with him. Glad Cooper is atleast meeting the real person and talking about what he feels about it and the truth. Nicholas just seems to come across like this was a fantasy written and not based on real people after reading the way he thanked Ryan for the opportunity. Extremely disappointing.

[@1stunna91]

Maybe cus he’s a man and a little more stern you don’t have to be cheesy smiley all the time and maybe he did his own research and believes the brothers are guilty but doesn’t wanna publicly say it so he kept his words short and sweet.

[@ericharry23]

Cooper is so cute

[@mazzystarr7078]

Cooper blew me away in this series. Great acting.

[@krissymconnorsvlog7321]

Cooper has such a beautiful smile ❤️

[@Shellw2]

I am in love with Cooper hefiwksldjqkdle HELP

[@annadidyana518]

me to im obsessed !!!

[@Shellw2]

@@annadidyana518 He's gorgeous

[@annadidyana518]

@@Shellw2 yesss cutest ever omg in love cant stop watching the show heheh.

[@AmanCreatesArt]

I watched episode 5 and immediately thought Cooper should win an Emmy for that. And then I watched episode 6 and immediately thought Javier should win an Emmy for that. Nicholas was fantastic too. (He seems like he's not in the greatest mood in this interview though.)

[@arielhenry4539]

I find it interesting that everyone is cheering Cooper for being smiley and criticizing Nicholas for being serious. They are two different people with two personalities. Also, the show is based on real tragic events. It wouldn't make sense to be sitting there giggling

[@UrbanDecayLova247]

It’s also wild because if anyone’s performance is being praised it’s Cooper’s cuz no one had an issue with the way Erik was portrayed. People are trashing the portrayal of Lyle along with Nicholas and people are like hmmm why does he look serious 🤨 like HUH?

[@ReturnOfTheJ.D.]

If I portrayed Lyle Menendez, I would be smartly moving onto my next character also - you don't want him living rent-free in your head for longer than necessary.

[@1stunna91]

💯

[@PaolaGarcia-ex7et]

Do you know why Nich is like this? I'll tell you, because they have filled his networks with such horrible words about the way they wrote to Lyle, when he had nothing to do with it, he simply did his job.

[@UrbanDecayLova247]

I’m confused at the comments 😂 like y’all bashed him on social media for something out of his control, he’s working overtime promoting another show and y’all are like hmmm why isn’t he bubbly? Why do y’all think lol

[@barbaradryer6742]

I miss Nic on General Hospital. For this interview I wish someone, either staff or himself, had styled his hair in a more becoming way. He is so handsome, and has a great great smile. Possibly he wasn't really so comfortable in this job when he got into it. I know I can't watch it. It really happened. That makes it more, much more, disturbing.

[@thats_suber]

I can’t watch it either. I wish they just did a new story with maybe influences from the actual story. People would have received it better.

[@ross23233]

If they were two Black guys, no one would be defending them. This society is so pathetic. Just because the two killers look like two white movie stars, everyone is trying to find an excuse to defend them without even researching the case and evidence.

[@1stunna91]

💯

[@katfanker]

Sad, but true. 😢

[@1stunna91]

@@ross23233 tbh the real brothers aren’t even that handsome they don’t look like movie stars. They look crazy asf. Society is just defending them cus they weird.

[@deerheart87]

I don't defend them , they are guilty

[@Josiahx.o]

Not gonna lie the brothers need to stop crying the show made sure to show that the parents are monsters

[@picox7763]

Cooper koch is so sweet and kind for real...he went to prison to help them

[@ashleelynasmr8072]

Cooper is adorable

[@energizerbunny99]

Mr Nicholas is very serious. Like in an unattractive way

[@actuallymichael03]

Ikr 😂 I don’t think he smiles at all

[@melina1916]

Yeahhhh, I'm not into Nicholas tbh.. just my opinion. Now Cooper❤ He seems soooo sweet and compassionate🩷 Definitely love Cooper!

[@UrbanDecayLova247]

His interviews when he was on General Hospital, he’s much more bubbly…but ya know the internet is bashing him right now and he’s also having to promote another show sooo maybe he’s not in the best mood. Sue him

[@kellybotros8058]

Javier , Nicholas , Cooper ❤ O my God you were all amazing the acting felt so real my heart dropped in my stomach this was very heart wrenching 💔 the abuse that these boys indured i pray that this would bring new light to the truth they should be released i pray that they would be able to i hope soon. new info from menudo child star who was abused by Jose Menendez they should take that now into consideration. Just allfull Cooper Your portrayal of Eric you are such a gentle loving heart very humble in spirit my heart ach for you as Eric. I love Javier ❤️ but hard to ser him portraying Jose Menedez he was so ABUSIVE he was truley amazing so believable. Nicholas the acting the rage and effects of abuse so scary..How did you do it!! incredible..you all should get an awards for this Netflix mini series. Many blessings .

[@Reenaxox]

Nicholas seems so dead inside…

[@thats_suber]

He’s so over it. He’s probably wishing he didn’t do this series lol. Hopefully doesn’t effect his career.

[@durgasunil5438]

Why is the guy who played lyle not even supporting them? Eric guy seems chill.

[@val-hr4xe]

its a complicated situtationship

[@HarperArrow]

Right? Seems like such a stuck up person. Also his acting wasn't that top notch.

[@russelconor8704]

where did he say he doesn't? he simply doesn't know, and actually, I read the interview with him yesterday, online, and he said he does feel for Lyle and Eric. stop spreading lies!

[@gwendee5070]

Nicholas, properly been told by his agent not to comment... his social media did get a lot of heat for his character of Lyle. He is just being neutral of the situation! and he ain't stuck up!

[@val-hr4xe]

@@HarperArrow girl u literally must be kidding he killed it

[@soph.studios21]

Doesn’t America feel ashamed toward the brothers’ trauma??? Bro nothing funny about an abuse story that they can’t run away from. Also they never hinted why one of the episodes has an insist relationship toward the brothers? Just because of money or was it Ryan Murphy’s fetish toward serial killers?

[@lizzyespo]

Coopee is so sweet he went to go see themmmm

[@sarakatharina2928]

Nicholas will be a star

[@erikaol1091]

So Erik from prison was able to get Cooper's phone number and called him?

[@MsSugarDyme]

Their performances were stellar... amazing 👏🏾 🤩 Now I got some big criticisms for the writers... but otherwise the direction, production and acting was awesome 👌🏾 👏🏾

[@thatcece08]

Yeah that must be so hard having the most disturbing part of your life being seen in hollywoood I can’t imagine :( *plays the character anyway* Like Ryan Murphy boooo 👎🏽 was it worth it?

[@ross23233]

I think Nicholas, like me, doesn't believe those brothers deserve any sympathy, or he's very professional, did the job that was requested, and now he needs to move on.

[@1stunna91]

Finally, Someone who gets it.

[@feyrol42]

In a statement he did say he feels for them. That said, I agree that he’s just being professional and wants to move on. Particularly because he got backlash for his portrayal as Lyle (as if he had control over that)

[@UrbanDecayLova247]

⁠@@feyrol42right, I think people are taking his comments about moving on from the role in a vacuum as well. Like he’s also promoting another show that from his comments imply he had to film shortly after Monsters…on top of what you said, ppl ain’t have an issue with Erik’s portrayal - they had a problem with Lyle’s. That’s a tough spot to be in.

[@splinterbyrd]

Having seen the Netflix soap opera the two boys went up in my estimation. They're still killers, but maybe they deserve to be cut a bit of slack

[@lauramalerich5129]

But did they really play Mili Vanili at their parents funeral? 🤔🤔🤔

[@ToCam-fl8ry]

yes, they did

[@lauramalerich5129]

@@ToCam-fl8ry Oh wow ok thanks!

[@emmas4502]

They are both so hot omg

[@lucyluzhuerta]

Chavez is so rude he basically said he doesn't care about Lyle he just did his job that's it. smh what a jerk! Cooper is way more human caring and has empathy for them.

[@delsmontgomery]

As someone else said, if I portrayed Lyle Menendez, I would be smartly moving onto my next character also - you don't want him living rent-free in your head for longer than necessary. He already said in other interviews that he empathizes with them. Are you okay... lol

[@laurenfabery]

Cooper is such a sweetie pie 🥰 I think Nicholas wants to be taken seriously as an actor and is trying to put his best foot forward and not engage in the drama. Although I’m sure he’s very nervous as well! He did an amazing job!

[@leokimvideo]

Javier Bardem who plays Jose Menendez is incredible in this film. He will get an Oscar for his efforts

[@DianaOlano]

Everyone on this was amazing but Cooper and Nicholas were phenomenal!!!

[@markojenko6360]

They are all outstanding actors. Nicholas and Cooper are beyond talented and Javier and Chloë are pretty much always brilliant.

[@catherinemorada5206]

Gosh they’re good actors

[@Kamella772]

Cooper is ❤Hot😂!Acting was Superb all of them ❤❤❤

[@blobhead7421]

Has jose’s spirit possessed Nicholas? Why is he staring like that? It’s like he is plagued with rage

[@commongirl3504]

Those boys are both VERY talented. I was sold watching their performances and din't think I would. Particularly Eric. Wow 🥲

[@kalebchavez3279]

They should just Free the M Brothers... they wont be a danger to society.. they served enough Time..

[@kyletruong2007]

Nicholas is happy and humble. Is it me or Nicholas look cranky and stuck up?

[@paulabowen4432]

Incredible Acting! They crushed it!

[@arnaldoluisn1]

Excellent job guys. I saw the series and considered it Superb !

[@lifestylebyrachel]

Really glad the case is getting all this attention due to the movie and really hope the brothers are free soon.

[@mandiiistone]

say what you want about the true story, but the acting by Cooper and Nicholas was simply phenomenal and for sure award worthy!

[@talkswithannie4429]

I just finished the show , excellent. Javier phenomenal actor and Cooper and Nicolas were also amazing in the show. It’s a controversial topic , they’ll be many opinions but one undeniable opinion, is that the actors went above and beyond ! 5/5 stars ❤