Ryan Murphy’s Monster, an anthology series that recounts true crime stories which previously covered Jeffrey Dahmer, The Menendez Brothers, and Ed Gein, has found its next lead: Ella Beaty. Monster Season 4 will focus on retelling the story of Lizzie Borden, and Beaty has been cast in that role.
In addition to announcing its lead, Netflix also shared via TUDUM, the streamer’s news blog, that production has already begun in Los Angeles. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the anthology series is consistently among Netflix’s top-watched series. The first two installments combined for 24 Emmy nominations.
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The new installment, which focuses on Lizzie Borden, the family annihilator who has become infamous in American history and pop culture. The series has gone back to its farthest point yet, and it will star Ella Beatty (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You) as the title character. Notably, Season 3 lead Charlie Hunnam, who previously played Ed Gein, will return to the franchise, taking on the role of Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. Max Winkler (Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Grotesquerie) will direct the first episode of Monster Season 4.
This Netflix Original anthology series isn’t without its controversy, particularly towards the empathy given to brutal killers. About the last season, our critic said, “This is an exercise in fetishizing killers that will make anyone engaging with it beyond the surface question whether this is something we need to continue humoring as a society. Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan remain masters of visuals but novices when it comes to empathy for victims in Monster: The Ed Gein Story.”
What is Monster Season 4 about?
The fourth season of the critically acclaimed anthology will delve into the story of Lizzie Borden, the Massachusetts woman accused of the 1892 brutal murders of her father and stepmother. Following an extensive casting search, Ella Beatty, who previously appeared in Murphy’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, secured the lead role.
Monster Season 4: Lizzie Borden Story Cast
- Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden
- Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden (Lizzie’s father)
- Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan (The Bordens’ live-in maid)
- Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden (Lizzie’s stepmother)
- Billie Lourd as Emma (Lizzie’s older sister)
- Jessica Barden as Nance O’Neill (Lizzie’s actress friend)
Lizzie Borden Production Details
The series is created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Production is currently taking place in Los Angeles. Max Winkler, who directed episodes for the third installment, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, is set to direct the first episode of Monster Season 4.
What are the other Monster Seasons about?
- DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story focused on Jeffrey Dahmer (Evan Peters) and became one of the most highly watched series in Netflix history, reaching one billion view hours in its first 60 days. It currently ranks #4 on the all-time English TV Top 10.
- Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story: Follow real-life brothers (played by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, respectively) who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents.
- Monster: The Ed Gein Story follows the story of Ed Gein, the “Plainfield Ghoul,” whose crimes inspired the creation of Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and other horror staples.
The series is currently filming, but a specific release date and platform details have not been announced yet.
