We reported earlier this month that the focus of season four of Ryan Murphy‘s true crime series “Monster” will be on the infamous Lizzie Borden.
Today, Variety reports that cast members have begun to be announced, including Ella Beatty, who will star as Lizzie. Beatty, best known for her roles in If I Had Legs I Would Kick You and “Fued”. She is the daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty.
In addition, Rebecca Hall has been cast as Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby Borden, while Vicky Krieps will play Bridget Sullvan, a maid in the Borden household.
Lizzie’s History
For those unfamiliar, Borden lived in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. In 1892, she was accused of brutally murdering both her father and stepmother with an axe in their own home. She was ultimately acquitted. However, the sensational nature of the murders still captivates the world, cementing Borden’s place in pop culture. Her story has been adapted many times, including in The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, starring Christina Ricci, and the film Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny.
Season 3: The Horrors of Ed Gein
Before we get to Lizzie, “Monster” Season 3 is expected to arrive later in 2025. As previously reported, Charlie Hunnam is set to star as the chilling serial killer Ed Gein, the “Butcher of Plainfield”. Gein became infamous in the 1950s. Authorities made a gruesome discovery: he had not only killed multiple people. Still, he had also exhumed bodies from a cemetery and crafted all manner of household items and clothing from human remains. He serves as the inspiration for horror icons like Leatherface (Texas Chain Saw Massacre), Buffalo Bill (Silence of the Lambs), and Norman Bates (Psycho)
Laurie Metcalf portrays Gein’s mother, Augusta, a woman who undoubtedly shaped her son’s disturbed mind. Tom Hollander steps into the shoes of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, while Olivia Williams takes on the role of Hitchcock’s wife, Alma.
“Monster”: A Netflix Phenomenon
The “Monster” anthology series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, first debuted on Netflix in 2022. Its first season, focusing on Jeffrey Dahmer, earned widespread acclaim. It’s known for the incredible performances of Evan Peters as Dahmer and Niecy Nash as Glenda Cleveland. Peters snagged a Golden Globe, and Nash won an Emmy for their work. That initial season currently ranks as the fourth most-watched season in Netflix’s history. Season 2, which told the story of the Menendez brothers, premiered in September 2024.
With a history of compelling (and often terrifying) true crime narratives, it looks like the “Monster” series is set to continue its reign on Netflix! Are you ready for more dark tales from history? What killer would you like to see next?
