Fans of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology on Netflix have a new casting announcement to discuss. Award-winning actress Sarah Paulson is finalizing a deal to portray serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the upcoming fourth season of Monster. This new season will primarily focus on the story of Lizzie Borden, making Paulson’s role a significant, though not central, part of the narrative. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
The Core Cast of Monster Season 4
The upcoming season, which centers on the infamous Lizzie Borden axe murder case, has assembled a star-studded cast. Ella Beatty will take on the role of Lizzie Borden herself. She will be joined by Charlie Hunnam, who is returning to the Monster series after his portrayal of Ed Gein in Season 3, this time playing Lizzie’s father, Andrew Jackson Borden.
The cast includes several other notable names. Rebecca Hall will star as Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother. Billie Lourd is set to play Emma Borden, Lizzie’s sister. The family’s maid, Bridget Sullivan, will be portrayed by Vicky Krieps, and Jessica Barden will appear as Nance O’Neill, an actress who was a close friend of Lizzie Borden.
How Aileen Wuornos Fits into the Story
While Lizzie Borden’s story is the main focus, the inclusion of Aileen Wuornos suggests the season will explore broader themes. Similar to how Season 3 examined the cultural impact of Ed Gein’s crimes, Season 4 is expected to draw connections and explore the public perception of female killers throughout history. The season will likely draw parallels between Borden, who was accused of murder in the 19th century, and Wuornos, a convicted serial killer from the late 20th century.
Aileen Wuornos was a convicted serial killer who was executed in Florida in 2002. She confessed to killing seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Her life and crimes have been the subject of numerous films and documentaries, most notably the 2003 movie Monster, which earned Charlize Theron an Academy Award for her portrayal. Wuornos has also been played on screen by actresses including Jean Smart, Lily Rabe in American Horror Story: Hotel, and Peyton List.
Sarah Paulson’s Long History with Ryan Murphy
This new role marks the latest collaboration between Sarah Paulson and producer Ryan Murphy. Paulson has been a mainstay in Murphy’s television projects for years. She has earned five Emmy nominations for her work across various seasons of American Horror Story. She also won an Emmy for her role in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, another Murphy production.
Her other collaborations with Murphy include Ratched, Feud, and Impeachment: American Crime Story. The news of her casting in Monster comes shortly after it was confirmed she will return to the American Horror Story franchise for its thirteenth season.
The Future of the Monster Series
The Monster anthology series has become a major hit for Netflix. It began with Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, followed by seasons focused on the Menendez brothers and, most recently, Ed Gein. While an exact release date for Monster Season 4 has not been announced, it is expected to arrive on Netflix in 2026.
Also Read: How Sarah Paulson’s Advice Shaped Charlie Hunnam’s Ed Gein Performance
