Ashton Kutcher recently shared that he delved into a manifesto written by a domestic terrorist in preparation for his latest role as a villain. The 47-year-old actor partners with Evan Peters in FX’s new body horror thriller series called “The Beauty,” created by Ryan Murphy. The show revolves around FBI agents investigating a virus that enhances individuals’ attractiveness but comes with fatal consequences.

In the series, Kutcher plays the character Byron Forst, also known as ‘The Corporation,’ a tech tycoon responsible for creating the transformative substance central to the show’s chaos. His role portrays a ruthless entrepreneur willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard his massive empire.

Before the show’s premiere, Kutcher admitted to reading the manifesto of American terrorist Ted Kaczynski, also known as The Unabomber, who committed multiple bombings in the late 20th century targeting technological advancements. The Unabomber’s criminal activities spanned from 1978 to 1995, leading to his arrest in 1996 and eventual death in prison in 2023.

Reflecting on his character’s moral ambiguity, Kutcher explained his exploration of Kaczynski’s manifesto to gain insights into portraying a complex role. He shared his experience of belonging to a banned book club that delves into controversial literature, emphasizing the importance of understanding divergent perspectives.

While acknowledging the stark differences between his character and The Unabomber, Kutcher highlighted the commonality of individuals justifying their actions, including morally questionable methods, under the guise of serving a perceived greater good. He stressed the need for actors to empathize with their characters, even when portraying morally grey roles that challenge conventional notions of heroism.

The first three episodes of “The Beauty” are currently available for streaming on Disney+.