Sarah Paulson, renowned for her chilling performances in *American Horror Story*, is poised to delve into another dark corner of true crime. She’s in talks to join the upcoming season of the Netflix anthology series, *Monster*, a show already known for its unsettling explorations of infamous criminals.
This season shifts focus from the gruesome tales previously told – Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein – to a case steeped in Victorian mystery: the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. The story centers on their daughter, Lizzie Borden, who stood trial and was ultimately acquitted of the horrific crime.
While Paulson’s previous work with producer Ryan Murphy included a striking portrayal of Aileen Wuornos, her role in this new season will likely be more nuanced. The Borden case predates Wuornos’ crimes by nearly a century, suggesting a different kind of presence for the actress.
Instead of directly embodying Wuornos again, Paulson’s appearance will likely explore the ripple effect of the Borden case. The series intends to examine how the trial and the enduring questions surrounding Lizzie Borden shaped the public’s perception of female murderers in the decades that followed.
Aileen Wuornos’ story is a chilling one. Working as a sex worker in Florida during 1989 and 1990, she was convicted of six counts of first-degree murder, ultimately facing execution in 2002. She confessed to killing seven men, all clients, during that period.
The case captivated the nation, and Wuornos’ life was later immortalized in the critically acclaimed film *Monster*, where Charlize Theron delivered an Oscar-winning performance. The film brought the brutal reality of Wuornos’ existence and the circumstances surrounding her crimes to a wider audience.
Ella Beatty, daughter of actors Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, will portray Lizzie Borden in the new season. She steps into a role that has haunted imaginations for over a century, a woman forever linked to the chilling image of an axe and a double murder.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Charlie Hunnam, who previously embodied Ed Gein in *Monster*, will return to the series as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. His presence promises a compelling dynamic within the Borden household, hinting at the tensions that may have contributed to the tragic events.
The upcoming season promises to dissect the Borden case with the same meticulous detail and unsettling atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the *Monster* series, offering a fresh perspective on a historical crime that continues to fascinate and disturb.
