Sarah Paulson Set to Tackle Aileen Wuornos in Netflix's 'Monster' Season 4

Emmy winner Sarah Paulson is reportedly in final talks to portray notorious serial killer Aileen Wuornos, adding a surprising modern twist to the upcoming Lizzie Borden-focused season of Netflix's "Monster."

TL;DR

• Sarah Paulson is nearing a deal to play serial killer Aileen Wuornos in "Monster" Season 4.
• The season's main focus is Lizzie Borden, with Wuornos likely serving as a commentary on the perception of female killers in pop culture.
• Other recent casting news includes Ego Nwodim joining Hulu's "Not Suitable for Work" and the voice cast reveal for "Stranger Things: Tales From '85."

A Fascinating Time-Bending Twist for the Next Installment of 'Monster'

Imagine this: a gripping true-crime anthology series, typically rooted in a specific historical moment, decides to connect a notorious 19th-century murder with a shocking crime spree from the late 20th century. That's exactly what appears to be happening with Netflix's "Monster" Season 4, as Emmy-winning powerhouse Sarah Paulson is reportedly nearing a deal to join the cast.

Paulson is set to portray the infamous serial killer Aileen Wuornos, whose crimes captivated and horrified the nation decades ago. This casting is a significant development, not just for the caliber of talent Paulson brings, but for the intriguing way her character will weave into a story primarily focused on the Lizzie Borden case.

Sarah Paulson Will Inhabit the Complex World of Aileen Wuornos

Sarah Paulson, known for her intense and often unsettling roles, is reportedly stepping into the shoes of Aileen Wuornos for "Monster" Season 4. (Source: Joe Otterson, Variety, "‘Monster’ Season 4: Sarah Paulson in Final Talks to Play Serial Killer Aileen Wuornos," November 6, 2025). This is a big deal, considering Wuornos's chilling story and Paulson's proven ability to embody deeply complex characters.

The anticipation around Paulson’s involvement is already building, given her history of delivering compelling, transformative performances, particularly in true-crime narratives. Her portrayal of O.J. Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark in "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" earned her an Emmy, showcasing her talent for bringing real-life figures to the screen with profound depth.

The Main Narrative Remains Centered on Lizzie Borden's Haunting Case

Before you start wondering if "Monster" is abandoning its historical anchors, rest assured: Season 4, officially titled "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," still primarily focuses on the shocking 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts. Ella Beatty is confirmed to star as Lizzie Borden, the woman who stood trial for, and was famously acquitted of, the brutal slayings of her father and stepmother. Production for the season is currently underway in Los Angeles, having begun in September 2025. (Source: Ashley Hurst, What's on Netflix, "Monster Season 4: Lizzie Borden Story Cast, Filming & Release Date," November 6, 2025).

The cast surrounding Beatty is formidable, featuring several familiar faces. Charlie Hunnam, who recently portrayed Ed Gein in "Monster" Season 3, will return to the anthology series as Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden. Rebecca Hall is cast as Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby Borden, and Billie Lourd will play Lizzie’s older sister, Emma Borden. The ensemble also includes Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan, the Borden family's live-in maid, and Jessica Barden as Nance O'Neill, a close friend of Lizzie's. (Source: Rob Caprilozzi, Horror News Network, "Sarah Paulson to Play Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster: Lizzie Borden’," November 7, 2025).

Bridging a Century: How Wuornos Connects to Borden's Story and Female Killers in Popular Culture

So, the million-dollar question: how does Aileen Wuornos, whose documented crimes occurred between 1989 and 1990 and who was executed in 2002, fit into a story predominantly set in the 1890s? The series creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, are known for their thematic depth. It appears Wuornos’s role will serve as a powerful commentary, exploring how Lizzie Borden's case impacted the public's perception of female killers in popular culture across more than a century.

This approach isn't entirely new for the "Monster" anthology. Season 3, "Monster: The Ed Gein Story," for instance, focused on the real-life killer Ed Gein but also referenced other infamous figures like Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. This allowed the series to illustrate Gein's broader influence on the true-crime genre and the cultural zeitgeist. Similarly, Wuornos’s presence will likely serve as a modern parallel, offering a comparative lens through which to examine how society processes and remembers women accused of heinous crimes, from the sensationalized newspaper reports of Borden's era to today's true-crime documentaries and films.

Delving into the Tragic Life and Crimes of Aileen Wuornos

Aileen Carol Wuornos was born on February 9, 1956, and endured an incredibly difficult childhood marked by abuse and instability. She spent much of her adult life as a drifter and a sex worker in Florida. Between 1989 and 1990, she murdered seven male clients, consistently claiming self-defense, alleging that the men had attempted to rape her. She was ultimately convicted of six of these murders and was executed in Florida in 2002. (Source: Mey Rude, Out.com, "Who is Aileen Wuornos? Lesbian serial killer is Sarah Paulson's next big role," November 6, 2025).

Wuornos's story has fascinated filmmakers and true-crime enthusiasts for decades. The most famous on-screen portrayal came from Charlize Theron, who famously transformed for the role in the 2003 film "Monster," earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Other notable actresses, including Lily Rabe (in Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Story: Hotel," Season 5), Peyton List, and Jean Smart, have also taken on the complex character of Wuornos, highlighting the enduring impact of her story on popular culture.

Example: The Analytical Viewer's Dream Scenario

Imagine a university student, let's call her Priya, specializing in media studies and gender. The new "Monster" season offers her a goldmine. Priya could meticulously analyze how the show juxtaposes Borden's 19th-century narrative with glimpses of Wuornos's 20th-century story. She might explore how the media's portrayal of "monstrous women" has evolved, from the Victorian era's moral panic around Lizzie Borden to the complex psychological profiling of Aileen Wuornos. This unique narrative structure provides a rich text for understanding societal fears and perceptions of female criminality across historical periods.

The Enduring Collaborative Partnership Between Sarah Paulson and Ryan Murphy

This latest casting decision is hardly a surprise for fans familiar with the extensive and highly successful collaboration between Sarah Paulson and executive producer Ryan Murphy. Their professional partnership spans nearly two decades and includes a long list of critically acclaimed projects that have cemented both their reputations in television. Paulson has been a staple in Murphy's "American Horror Story" universe, appearing in nearly every season since its inception and earning five Emmy nominations for her roles.

Beyond "AHS," their joint ventures include "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," for which Paulson won an Emmy as Lead Actress for her powerful portrayal of Marcia Clark. They also collaborated on "Impeachment: American Crime Story," the Netflix series "Ratched," the first season of "Feud," and the Hulu drama "All's Fair." This deep-seated creative trust suggests that Paulson’s take on Wuornos, even in a potentially more symbolic role, will be nuanced and impactful, a hallmark of their previous work together.

Addressing Potential Narrative Concerns and Thematic Intentions

Some viewers might naturally express concern that introducing a character from a completely different era, like Wuornos into Borden's 1890s narrative, risks diluting or confusing the main storyline. Another potential limitation could be that featuring such a well-known figure as Wuornos, even in a secondary capacity, might inadvertently overshadow the more subtle historical nuances of the Lizzie Borden case, which many viewers might be less familiar with.

However, the creative team's track record suggests a deliberate thematic intent rather than mere sensationalism. As observed with "Monster" Season 3, the inclusion of other serial killers successfully broadened the context of Ed Gein's impact on pop culture without detracting from his individual story. This approach in Season 4 allows for a unique, comparative examination of the psychology of female perpetrators and the societal reactions to them, drawing insightful connections across historical divides that a purely linear narrative might miss. It’s an ambitious creative choice, aiming for a richer, more multifaceted commentary on crime and culture.

Beyond 'Monster': Other Exciting Casting News Heating Up Hollywood

While the "Monster" updates are certainly attention-grabbing, the entertainment world has been buzzing with other exciting casting announcements across film and television:

• Ego Nwodim's Post-SNL Gig: After wrapping up a seven-season run on "Saturday Night Live" in September, Ego Nwodim is quickly moving on to new ventures. She has joined the cast of the Hulu comedy "Not Suitable for Work" in a recurring role. Nwodim will play Kate Woodson, the assistant head of an exclusive all-girls private school, working alongside other notable talents like Constance Wu ("Fresh Off the Boat"), Victor Garber ("Family Law"), and Greg Germann ("Grey's Anatomy"). (Source: Dave Nemetz, "Casting News: Sarah Paulson Eyes Monster Role, Ego Nwodim's Post-SNL Gig And More," November 6, 2025).
• "Stranger Things: Tales From '85" Voice Cast Revealed: Fans of the Upside Down have more to look forward to with the animated spinoff "Stranger Things: Tales From '85." The voice cast has been announced, featuring Brooklyn Davey Norstedt ("WeCrashed") as the voice of Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport ("Watchmen") as Max, and Elisha Williams ("The Wonder Years") as Lucas. This animated adventure promises to expand the beloved universe.
• Emma Laird Joins HBO's "War": Emma Laird ("Mayor of Kingstown") is set to expand her drama repertoire by joining the cast of the upcoming HBO legal drama "War." She will star alongside Dominic West and Sienna Miller, portraying Molly Giordano, a training associate at the law firm Taylor & Byrne. This new series is expected to deliver high-stakes legal drama.

Practical Takeaways for True-Crime Enthusiasts and TV Viewers

• Prepare for a truly unique blend of historical and modern true-crime storytelling in "Monster" Season 4, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
• Sarah Paulson's portrayal of Aileen Wuornos promises a deep and potentially unsettling dive into the infamous serial killer's psyche, even if in a supporting capacity.
• Look forward to compelling performances from Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden and a strong ensemble cast that brings the 1890s to life.
• Keep an eye out for other exciting new roles from talented actors like Ego Nwodim, Emma Laird, and the voice cast of the "Stranger Things" animated series.
• Expect "Monster" Season 4 to spark conversations about how society understands, portrays, and remembers female figures accused of shocking crimes throughout history.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Monster' Season 4 Q: When is "Monster" Season 4 expected to be released?

A: Netflix has not yet announced a specific release date for "Monster" Season 4. Filming is expected to wrap in March 2026, suggesting a potential premiere in Fall 2026 at the earliest.

Q: Where can I watch "Monster" Season 4?

A: As with previous seasons of the anthology, "Monster" Season 4 will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix.

Q: Is Sarah Paulson the main character of "Monster" Season 4?

A: No, the primary focus of "Monster" Season 4, titled "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," will be Lizzie Borden, played by Ella Beatty. Sarah Paulson's role as Aileen Wuornos is expected to serve as a thematic commentary on the perception of female killers.

Sources

• Dave Nemetz, "Casting News: Sarah Paulson Eyes Monster Role, Ego Nwodim's Post-SNL Gig And More," Nov. 6, 2025.
• Joe Otterson, Variety, "‘Monster’ Season 4: Sarah Paulson in Final Talks to Play Serial Killer Aileen Wuornos (EXCLUSIVE)," Nov. 6, 2025.
• Vic Verbalaitis, The Daily Beast, "Emmy Winner in Talks to Play Serial Killer Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’," Nov. 6, 2025.
• Mey Rude, Out.com, "Who is Aileen Wuornos? Lesbian serial killer is Sarah Paulson's next big role," Nov. 6, 2025.
• Ashley Hurst, What's on Netflix, "Monster Season 4: Lizzie Borden Story Cast, Filming & Release Date," Nov. 6, 2025.
• Rob Caprilozzi, Horror News Network, "Sarah Paulson to Play Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster: Lizzie Borden’," Nov. 7, 2025.