Netflix’s hit true crime series “Monster” is taking on one of America’s most infamous murder cases. Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in the fourth season of Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed anthology series, with Rebecca Hall and Vicky Krieps joining the star-studded cast. The casting announcement comes after an extensive search across multiple countries to find the perfect actress to portray the controversial figure.
The new season will dive into the chilling 1892 axe murders that shocked Fall River, Massachusetts. Beatty, daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, will bring the mysterious Lizzie Borden to life alongside Hall as her stepmother Abby and Krieps as the household maid Bridget Sullivan. This talented trio promises to deliver another gripping installment in the Monster franchise.
The Lizzie Borden case has captivated audiences for over a century, making it perfect material for Murphy’s true crime series. Following the massive success of previous seasons featuring Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, this latest chapter explores one of the most debated criminal cases in American history. The series continues to prove that some stories never lose their power to fascinate and terrify viewers.
Key Takeaways
- Ella Beatty will star as Lizzie Borden in Monster Season 4, with Rebecca Hall and Vicky Krieps in supporting roles
- The season focuses on the infamous 1892 axe murders that made Lizzie Borden a household name in American crime history
- Ryan Murphy’s Monster franchise continues its success by tackling another legendary true crime case that has puzzled people for generations
Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden: A Bold Casting Choice
Netflix landed a rising star after searching multiple countries for their perfect Lizzie Borden. Ella Beatty brings fresh talent and impressive stage experience to this high-profile true crime role.
How Ella Beatty Landed the Role
Ella Beatty secured the coveted Lizzie Borden role through an extensive international casting search. Ryan Murphy and his team looked across multiple countries before choosing the young actress.
The casting process was highly competitive. Production teams wanted the perfect actor to portray the infamous woman from the 1892 axe murder case.
Beatty already had connections to the Ryan Murphy universe. She appeared in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” on FX. This previous work likely helped her stand out during auditions.
Her theater background also impressed casting directors. Strong stage experience often translates well to demanding television roles.
Career Highlights and Previous Roles
Beatty made her screen debut in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” with a recurring role. This marked her first major television appearance.
Her Broadway career has been impressive for such a young performer:
- Debuted in “Appropriate” (replacing Elle Fanning)
- Starred in Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” with Billy Crudup and Lily Rabe
- Performed opposite Hugh Jackman in “Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes”
She graduated from Juilliard in 2022. The prestigious drama school prepared her well for challenging roles.
Beatty will make her feature film debut in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” This comedy-drama anthology shows her range beyond television work.
CAA and Entertainment 360 represent her professionally. These top agencies handle major Hollywood talent.
Impact of the Role on Ella Beatty’s Career
Playing Lizzie Borden will likely launch Beatty into mainstream recognition. The Monster franchise draws massive Netflix audiences worldwide.
The first Monster season about Jeffrey Dahmer ranks among Netflix’s top 5 most popular English-language series. This guarantees huge viewership for Season 4.
Beatty follows famous actors who portrayed Lizzie Borden. Christina Ricci starred in “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” and Chloë Sevigny played her in the 2018 film “Lizzie.”
The role connects her permanently to the Ryan Murphy universe. Murphy creates multiple hit shows, offering future opportunities for talented performers.
Landing this lead role so early in her screen career is remarkable. Most actors wait years for such high-profile parts on major streaming platforms.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Monster’ Season 4
Netflix has assembled an impressive lineup of talented actors for the Lizzie Borden story. Rebecca Hall will portray Lizzie’s stepmother, while Vicky Krieps takes on the role of the family’s maid.
Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden
Rebecca Hall brings her acclaimed acting skills to the role of Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother who became one of the murder victims. Hall has built an impressive career spanning both television and film.
Her recent work includes appearances in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series “The Beauty” and guest starring roles in Apple TV+’s “The Studio.” Hall previously won a BAFTA TV Award for best supporting actress for her performance in “Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1974.”
Film audiences know Hall from major productions like “The Prestige,” “The Town,” and “Vicky Christina Barcelona.” She has also appeared in blockbusters including Godzilla vs. Kong.
Hall earned BAFTA nominations for both “Parade’s End” and the film “Passing.” Her representation includes WME, Julian Belfrage Associates, and Hansen Jacobson.
Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan
Vicky Krieps will portray Bridget Sullivan, the maid working in the Borden household during the infamous murders. This casting brings international star power to the Netflix series.
Krieps gained widespread recognition for her stunning performance opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in “Phantom Thread.” The Austrian actress has primarily focused on film work throughout her career.
Her notable film credits include “Corsage,” “Colonia,” and “Old.” Krieps will also appear in Monster Season 3 before taking on the Bridget Sullivan role.
This marks one of her few television projects, making her involvement particularly exciting for fans. She is represented by CAA and United Agents.
Other Notable Cast Members
The season will feature additional cast members to round out the Borden family story. While specific details about other roles remain under wraps, the production promises more exciting announcements.
Season 3 of Monster will star Charlie Hunnam as serial killer Ed Gein before the Lizzie Borden story unfolds. This creates anticipation for how the anthology series will transition between these distinct true crime stories.
The casting choices reflect Ryan Murphy’s ability to attract top-tier talent to his projects. Each actor brings unique strengths that should enhance the historical drama’s authenticity and emotional impact.
The Story Behind Lizzie Borden: Fact Meets Fiction
The 1892 axe murders in Fall River, Massachusetts shocked America and created one of the country’s most enduring mysteries. Lizzie Borden’s trial captivated the nation and sparked countless retellings that blend historical facts with creative interpretations.
The Borden Murders and Trial
On August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden were brutally killed with an axe in their Fall River home. The shocking crime scene stunned the small Massachusetts town.
Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter, quickly became the prime suspect. She was the one who discovered her father’s body and called for help.
The murders happened during the morning hours. Abby Borden was killed first, struck multiple times with an axe while upstairs. Andrew Borden was attacked later while napping on the living room sofa.
Key Trial Facts:
- Trial began June 5, 1893
- Lasted 13 days
- All-male jury deliberated for just 90 minutes
- Verdict: Not guilty on all charges
The prosecution struggled with weak evidence. No murder weapon was found, and Lizzie’s testimony remained consistent throughout questioning.
Her acquittal shocked many who believed she was guilty. The case revealed tensions about women’s roles in Victorian society and sparked debates that continue today.
Cultural Impact and Public Fascination
The famous schoolyard rhyme “Lizzie Borden took an ax, and gave her mother 40 whacks” made her story part of American folklore. This simple poem spread her name far beyond the actual facts of the case.
The rhyme contains inaccuracies that show how legend replaced truth. Abby was Lizzie’s stepmother, not her biological mother. The actual number of wounds differed from the poem’s count.
Newspapers covered every detail of the trial with sensational headlines. The case became one of America’s first major media spectacles.
The story taps into deep fears about family violence and hidden secrets. People remain fascinated by the question of whether a proper Victorian woman could commit such brutal acts.
Lizzie lived quietly in Fall River after her acquittal until her death in 1927. She never escaped the shadow of suspicion that followed her throughout her life.
Previous Adaptations and Portrayals
Television and film have explored Lizzie’s story many times with different interpretations. Elizabeth Montgomery starred in the 1975 TV movie “The Legend of Lizzie Borden,” bringing the tale to mainstream audiences.
Christina Ricci played Lizzie in Lifetime’s “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” series, which imagined her life after the trial. The show portrayed her as guilty and continuing to kill.
The 2018 film “Lizzie” featured Chloë Sevigny as Lizzie and Kristen Stewart as the family maid. This version suggested a romantic relationship between the women as a motive for murder.
Popular Adaptations:
- Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014) – Lifetime movie
- The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015) – TV series
- Lizzie (2018) – Feature film
Each version offers different theories about what really happened. Some portray Lizzie as innocent, while others assume her guilt and explore possible motives.
The varying portrayals show how the mystery allows creators to project different ideas about women, violence, and justice onto her story.
The ‘Monster’ Anthology: Past, Present and What’s Next
Netflix’s Monster anthology has transformed into one of the streaming platform’s most successful true crime franchises. The series continues to expand with compelling casting choices and high-profile stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
Evolution of the Netflix Series
The Monster franchise launched with Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story in 2022. Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan created this groundbreaking series that set the standard for Netflix’s true crime programming.
The show focused on Jeffrey Dahmer’s horrific crimes. It became an instant phenomenon for the streaming service.
The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story followed as the second installment. This season explored the infamous Menendez Brothers case that shocked America in the 1990s.
The third season will feature Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein. This upcoming installment adds another notorious criminal to the anthology’s growing collection.
Now the fourth season brings Lizzie Borden’s story to life. Ella Beatty will portray the woman who stood trial for her parents’ 1892 axe murders in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Acclaim and Audience Reception
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story achieved remarkable success on Netflix. The series remains one of the Top 5 most popular Netflix English-language series of all time.
Critics praised the show’s intense performances and gripping storytelling. Audiences couldn’t stop watching the disturbing yet fascinating tale.
The series earned Golden Globe recognition for its outstanding production quality. Ryan Murphy’s direction brought a fresh perspective to true crime television.
The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story continued the franchise’s winning streak. Viewers eagerly consumed the complex family drama and courtroom proceedings.
The anthology format allows each season to explore different cases thoroughly. This approach keeps the series fresh and engaging for returning fans.
Future Seasons and Expectations
The Monster franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Netflix continues developing new seasons with high-profile cases and talented casting choices.
Ella Beatty’s casting as Lizzie Borden generates significant excitement. The daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening brings star power to the role.
Rebecca Hall and Vicky Krieps join the impressive cast lineup. Their previous work in acclaimed productions adds credibility to the upcoming season.
Max Winkler will direct the pilot episode for season four. His experience with Ryan Murphy’s other projects ensures consistent quality across the franchise.
The series continues attracting A-list talent to its productions. This commitment to quality casting helps maintain the show’s premium reputation and audience appeal.
