Did Cooper Koch Wear a Prosthetic in the ‘Monsters’ Shower Scene?

There’s a mystery that’s got everyone talking-was actor Cooper Koch wearing a prosthetic during a nude shower scene in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, where he portrayed Erik Menendez?

Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez and Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Miles Crist/Netflix
The scene in question occurs in the third episode, shortly after the brothers are arrested for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. While awaiting trial, Erik is shown befriending another inmate named Tony. The two head to the showers together after the other inmates have finished.
Courtesy of Netflix
The scene is notably intimate, with Erik and Tony exchanging glances as they wash. While it’s unclear whether this moment is based on actual events, many viewers are asking whether Koch was wearing a prosthetic, as he appears fully nude in the scene.

Cooper Koch’s Comfort with Nudity in Previous Roles

While there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding the use of a prosthetic, Koch has spoken about his comfort with nude scenes in the past. In 2022, Koch starred in the horror film Swallowed, which also included a full-frontal nude scene. When asked by The Queer Review about his comfort level with nude scenes, Koch said, “My mother had some reservations.”

He went on to explain that the nudity in Swallowed wasn’t sexualized or used for shock value but was instead a crucial part of the story. This, he said, made him more comfortable with it.

“I’ve had plenty of experience with nude scenes in the past,” Koch added. “I did Hair in college, where we all got naked on stage, and I did an art installation with a director where I was naked. So, I’ve had some experience with nudity as a performer before, and it’s always been done respectfully and artistically. I was still a little nervous, but I think anyone would be. Ultimately, though, it was great, and I was super okay with it.”

Cooper Koch’s Shower Scene: A Meaningful Moment

Despite Monsters being a different type of show, the shower scene could be a key piece in the puzzle of understanding Erik’s emotional journey while in prison.

While Koch hasn’t confirmed whether or not a prosthetic was used, it wouldn’t be out of character for him to perform the scene without one, given his previous experience with on-screen nudity.

Don’t miss out: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is now available for streaming on Netflix.