Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson is close to signing on to portray serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the fourth season of Netflix's anthology series Monster. The role reunites her with executive producer Ryan Murphy and complements the season's focus on historical female killers, led by Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden. Paulson's involvement highlights pop culture's evolving depiction of such figures.
Casting Announcement
Sarah Paulson, known for her Emmy-winning performance as Marcia Clark in American Crime Story, is nearing a deal to star as Aileen Wuornos in Monster's upcoming fourth season, according to Variety. This Netflix anthology series, which explores infamous criminals, will center on accused ax murderer Lizzie Borden, played by Ella Beatty. Paulson's character is expected to provide a modern counterpoint to Borden, examining how female killers have been portrayed in media over a century.
Background and Reunions
The casting marks another collaboration between Paulson and Ryan Murphy, who have worked together on projects like American Horror Story and the aforementioned American Crime Story, where Paulson earned her 2016 Emmy. She currently appears in Murphy's Hulu drama All's Fair. Wuornos, a real-life figure convicted of murdering six men, was executed in 2002. Her story previously inspired the 2003 film Monster, for which Charlize Theron won an Oscar.
Series Context
Monster has delved into true crime narratives across its seasons, blending historical facts with dramatic interpretations. While specific production timelines for season 4 remain undisclosed, the announcement underscores Netflix's continued investment in high-profile true crime content under Murphy's production banner. No release date has been confirmed yet.