Cooper Koch, who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, is setting his sights on his next big project. Following his Golden Globe nomination for the role, Koch revealed that he’s eager to star in adaptations of several notable queer novels.
In a recent cover story for VMan magazine, Koch shared his “fantasy list” of literary works he would love to bring to the big screen. “Yes: Giovanni’s Room, All Fours, and A Little Life,” Koch said, emphasizing that his interest is driven by a desire to engage with projects that hold personal meaning. “I just want to do things that I feel have meaning and purpose that I’m passionate about,” he added.
All three novels Koch named are centered around queer themes, reflecting his commitment to meaningful roles that resonate with him personally.
Giovanni’s Room, written by the iconic James Baldwin in 1956, explores the story of an American man living in Paris who embarks on a passionate love affair with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. The novel is widely regarded as a classic in LGBTQ+ literature and continues to influence readers and artists alike.
All Fours, the 2024 novel by writer and filmmaker Miranda July, centers on a middle-aged woman who embarks on a sexual awakening, navigating complex emotions and desires. The novel is expected to draw significant attention for its exploration of identity and self-discovery in a queer context.
Another major work on Koch’s list is A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara’s modern queer masterpiece, first published in 2015. The novel follows the lives of four college friends as they navigate love, trauma, and their personal struggles in New York City. A 2025 audiobook version, narrated by actor Matt Bomer, will further extend the novel’s reach to audiences.
While Koch is passionate about these literary works, his commitment to telling meaningful stories extends beyond the world of fiction. He also continues to advocate for the Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, whom he portrayed in Monsters. In the interview, Koch expressed his support for their ongoing efforts to be released from prison, highlighting the personal growth the brothers have experienced while incarcerated.
“Erik teaches speech classes, yoga, and meditation, and they help people who have been through sexual abuse,” Koch explained. “They’ve gotten college degrees. They’ve found a life in prison because they’ve accepted what happened to them, and they accepted what they did. That takes such courage and bravery and strength and time. I think for that reason they deserve to come home.”
As Koch looks to the future, it’s clear that he is committed to projects that challenge societal norms and tackle important LGBTQ+ issues, both on and off the screen. Whether it’s bringing iconic queer literature to life or supporting the fight for justice, the actor is focused on using his platform to advocate for meaningful change.
