Ashton Kutcher clarifies what drew him to the villainous part in 'The Beauty'

Ashton Kutcher is opening up about what drew him to his darker new role in FX’s The Beauty, describing it as the most creatively demanding performance of his career. In a recent interview, the actor explained that playing a villain — particularly one who believes he’s doing the right thing — pushed him into unfamiliar and complex territory.

Kutcher stars as a powerful tech billionaire whose invention promises physical perfection but comes with devastating consequences. Rather than leaning into a traditional antagonist, Kutcher said the real challenge was grounding the character’s actions in logic and conviction. “Everyone is a villain to someone,” he explained, adding that the work came from keeping the character convinced that his choices were justified.

The actor also recalled how series creator Ryan Murphy initially pitched The Beauty to him at a time when he wasn’t actively looking for a new project. The show’s concept — centered on a world obsessed with cosmetic enhancement and an injection that guarantees beauty — immediately grabbed his attention. Kutcher described the premise as a rich space for exploration, particularly under Murphy’s guidance.

The Beauty blends satire and horror while reflecting modern anxieties around image, perfection, and power. Kutcher’s performance marks a notable shift from many of his previous roles, with fans and critics alike pointing to the psychological depth he brings to the character. The series positions him at the heart of a story that feels unsettlingly relevant in today’s culture.