'Controversial' Disney+ crime drama divides fans over depiction of notorious murder case

Disney+ subscribers have been given their first full look at an upcoming true crime drama that’s sure to spark controversy.

Based on a notorious murder investigation in which a young woman was wrongfully imprisoned, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox premieres in just under three weeks’ time.

As the provocative drama gears up for release on Wednesday, 20th August, fans have been given their first taste of the series with a new trailer dropping this week.

Tell Me Lies star Grace Van Patten steps into the role of Amanda Knox, the woman at the centre of the media storm following the murder of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy and the subsequent attempt to cover up her false imprisonment.

Sharon Horgan, John Hoogenakker, Francesco Acquaroli, Giuseppe De Domenico and Roberta Mattei also star in the series from creator KJ Steinberg, writer of This Is Us.

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A logline for the drama reads: “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox follows the eponymous American college student, who arrives in Italy for her study abroad only to be wrongfully imprisoned for murder weeks later.

“The series traces Amanda’s relentless fight to prove her innocence and reclaim her freedom and examines why authorities and the world stood so firmly in judgment.”

However, the drama has generated significant backlash from fans, despite Knox herself, along with Monica Lewinsky, serving as executive producers.

When the new trailer was released on YouTube, several users took to the comments to express their distaste with the adaptation.

One commenter claimed: “Although Amanda is innocent, I believe that exploiting this tragedy further is wrong. The victim's family has made it clear that they did not want this series to be produced.”

Kercher’s sister Stephanie has admitted she finds it “difficult to understand” the purpose of the drama, per the Guardian.

Another used fumed: “Making it about her again for profit. RIP Meredith, go away Knox.”

Criticism continued on Reddit where one commenter asked: “How many Amanda Knox shows is that now? 3, 4?”

And another commenter said on X (formerly Twitter): “I don't like all the focus on Amanda Knox all these years. I think the focus should be on Meredith Kercher and trying to find justice for her.

“It feels a bit weird - all other similar TV shows based on horrific crimes focus on the victims.”

Despite the backlash, there are still plenty of true crime fans eagerly anticipating the new series, including X users replying to Knox herself promoting the series.

One supporter replied: “Looking forward to watching! Glad you’re telling the story this time.”

Will you be tuning into this divisive true crime drama or giving it a miss?

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox premieres Wednesday, 20th August on Disney+.