Dennis Quaid is making a remarkable transformation from portraying a deceitful character in The Substance to embodying a chilling figure in the upcoming Paramount+ series, <em>Happy Face</em>. The recently released teaser trailer for this gripping true-crime drama showcases Quaid stepping into the role of the notorious real-life killer, Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face Killer. While the series title derives from Jesperson’s infamous moniker, it primarily focuses on the harrowing experiences of his daughter, Melissa G. Moore. At the tender age of 15, Moore uncovered her father’s dark identity and has since changed her name to escape the shadows of his heinous acts, striving to maintain her life while concealing their blood ties. The trailer hints at the unsettling ways her father attempts to re-enter her life, even from behind bars, adding layers of tension and emotional turmoil.
Set against the haunting melody of “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” by The Miracles, the trailer opens with Moore, portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford, grappling with her complex identity as the daughter of the Happy Face Killer during a talk show reminiscent of Dr. Phil. The visuals alternate between her childhood memories and stark images of her father in prison, effectively illustrating the tumultuous nature of their relationship. Even as an adult, she is plagued by the aftermath of his violent actions, particularly the profound impact he had on the families of his victims. For Moore, confronting her father’s legacy is a crucial step to prevent the trauma from affecting her loved ones. However, the situation intensifies when she is forced to confront her father just as she races against time to save an innocent man from facing the death penalty for a crime committed by the Happy Face Killer. The teaser culminates in a suspenseful face-to-face meeting, poised to reveal the emotional scars and unresolved issues that have long separated them.
Happy Face draws extensively from Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, co-authored with M. Bridget Cook, as well as her podcast, Happy Face, which delves into her father’s life and legacy. Additionally, she hosts the Life After Happy Face podcast, which focuses on the experiences of those connected to Jesperson, his victims, and the long-term effects of his actions on their lives. Currently, the real-life Jesperson remains incarcerated in an Oregon prison, serving a life sentence for the murder of eight women in the 1990s, though he has claimed responsibility for over 100 killings. His notoriety largely stems from his eerie communications with law enforcement and media, which often featured doodles of smiley faces. This series promises to be an essential watch for true-crime enthusiasts, offering a profound exploration of the intertwined lives of a father and daughter, alongside the broader impact on the victims’ families.
Discover the Talented Cast and Crew Behind ‘Happy Face’
Joining Quaid and Ashford in this gripping narrative are a talented ensemble cast, including James Wolk, who portrays Moore’s supportive husband, along with Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey, and David Harewood. The showrunner for Happy Face is Jennifer Cacicio, a seasoned writer known for her contributions to acclaimed series such as Shooter, Your Honor, and the previous year’s Sexy Beast prequel. Cacicio also serves as an executive producer alongside Moore, Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter, and Jordana Mollick. Showalter, who has directed episodes of The Dropout, lends his expertise by directing the series? inaugural episode, promising a captivating start.
Happy Face is set to premiere with its eight-episode season, launching with two episodes on March 20, followed by weekly releases. For an early glimpse, be sure to check out the first teaser in the player above, which offers a tantalizing preview of what?s to come.
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