The long anticipated show The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is making all of Ryan Murphy’s fans weak with anticipation, especially when it comes to Penelope Cruz’s interpretation of Donatella Versace.

Apparently, in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ryan Murphy says that Donatella is like the “Marcia Cross” of this season, meaning Penelope’s performance is just as raw and real and beautiful as Sarah Paulson’s portrayal of Marcia was in The People vs. OJ.

“I think Penelope is to Donatella what Sarah [Paulson] is to Marcia [Clark]. I think people have marginalized and under-appreciated Donatella. I thought the interesting parallel is that Marcia Clark was an advocate for Ron [Goldman] and Nicole [Simpson]. I think Donatella was an advocate for Versace and his legacy and his heart,” the creator said to EW.

Penelope also shared that she spoke with Donatella before stepping into her shoes:

“I did have one conversation that was between she and I. I don’t want to say the details, but it was a long conversation,” she said. “That was very important to me. I think she knows that the way I’m playing her, that I truly love her and respect her.”