‘The Shards’ Breakout Hayes Warner Turns Heads in Striking New Photos
Few newcomers have had a year quite like Hayes Warner, and her role in ‘The Shards’ has turned the pop singer into one of TV’s most talked-about new faces. Ryan Murphy’s FX adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel premiered on August 5 on FX and Hulu, with Warner cast as Debbie Shaffer, a rich prep school girl with all the right connections.
Her path to the role was anything but conventional. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner had never booked a professional acting role before, yet she couldn’t stop imagining the novel on screen and eventually landed a screen test with Murphy in the room.
Now, a new set of photos shared by several outlets on X has fans swooning over the rising star. One black-and-white image shows Warner with tousled blonde hair and oversized glasses in a sleek black sleeveless top, while the other captures her platinum locks swept to the side in a silky, high-neck ivory look.
The shots perfectly reflect the dual identity she’s built this year. Equal parts retro glamour and modern pop star, the images feel right at home alongside the glossy 1980s world of the series. Warner has embraced that playful energy on the red carpet too. NYLON documented her pregaming ‘The Shards’ premiere with Slayyyter and an iced matcha latte.
‘THE SHARDS’ star, Hayes Warner stuns in newly photos. 📷 https://t.co/XZmOVADia7
— Cinethology (@thecinethology) October 20, 2026
Before her acting breakthrough, Warner built a loyal following in music. The New York-born singer graduated from Northwestern University with a musical theater degree and has racked up millions of streams with songs like “Predator,” “Breadcrumbs,” “Shut Up,” and “Dead to Me.”
She’s also been named one of People’s Emerging Artists to Watch and has performed on stages including Lollapalooza. Beyond her solo work, she has written songs for projects including Netflix’s ‘The Barbie Chronicles’ and Disney’s ‘The Descendants’ franchise.
Her casting nearly didn’t happen. After her screen test, Warner believed her journey with the show was over, commiserated over drinks with the other actresses, and threw herself back into music and touring before the role came through.
The gamble paid off. In its review, The Hollywood Reporter noted that the season gradually showcases Warner, praising how she uncovers the bruised psyche beneath her character’s polished exterior and delivers cutting dialogue with precision, likening her to Murphy blondes like Emma Roberts, Leslie Bibb, and Billie Lourd.
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, the series follows a 17-year-old version of Ellis at an elite prep school as a serial killer known as The Trawler terrorizes the city. Debbie, the spoiled daughter of Hollywood royalty, insists on throwing a Halloween party despite a city-wide curfew.
OFFICIAL TRAILER | Hot. Rich. Dangerous. FX’s The Shards premieres August 5 on FX | Hulu on Disney+. For bundle subscribers. Terms apply. https://t.co/hbcTDZqMFE
— Hulu (@hulu) July 14, 2026
Warner shares the screen with a stacked ensemble. Kaia Gerber, Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, and Graham Campbell lead the cast, while Evan Rachel Wood and Wes Bentley play Debbie’s parents, Liz and Terry Schaffer.
Warner’s two worlds have now officially collided. The series’ original soundtrack is a 16-track collection featuring songs from Troye Sivan, producer Leland, and Warner herself, including her singles “Baby” and “Seriously.”
Reflecting on her new music, she admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that “It’s very Shards-y,” speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about her latest work. Fans may not have to wait long for more. The first season concluded on September 9 with a cliffhanger finale, and Murphy and Ellis are hoping for a 3- to 4-season run.
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