Lizzie Borden will be portrayed by Ella Beatty and Charlie Hunnam as Andrew BordenGetty/Netflix/Getty

Monster Season 4 Officially Begins Production in Los Angeles: Ella Beatty Takes the Lead as Lizzie Borden

Netflix has officially announced that production is underway in Los Angeles for Season 4 of the Emmy-winning anthology series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. After the massive success of the previous seasons — each focused on some of history’s most infamous killers — this new installment is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated chapters yet.

Season 4 marks a major milestone for the franchise, introducing its first female “monster,” Lizzie Borden, a figure whose name has long been synonymous with one of America’s most chilling and controversial murder cases. The role will be portrayed by Ella Beatty, known for her standout performances in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Netflix paired the production announcement with a striking “editorial handover” photo featuring Beatty standing alongside Charlie Hunnam, who starred as the notorious serial killer Ed Gein in Season 3. Hunnam’s portrayal propelled the season to enormous success, earning 12.2 million global views in its first three days and reaching #1 in 11 countries. In Season 4, Hunnam will return to the franchise in a new role — portraying Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father and one of the victims in the 1892 double homicide.

A New Monster Takes Center Stage: Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden

The casting of Ella Beatty follows an extensive search for the right actress to embody Lizzie Borden — a woman whose story continues to fascinate true-crime audiences more than a century later. Accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892, Borden became one of the most notorious figures in American criminal history.

Beatty’s rising star power, combined with her previous work with Ryan Murphy in Feud, makes her a compelling choice to lead a season that promises psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and historical detail.

The editorial handover photo symbolizes both a passing of the torch and a creative bridge between the seasons. Hunnam’s presence illustrates how the anthology continues to evolve while maintaining continuity and connection across its installments.

A Powerful Supporting Cast Joins Season 4

Season 4 of Monster will feature an ensemble of acclaimed actors portraying key individuals in the Borden household and surrounding circles:

• Vicky Krieps

Known for Phantom Thread and Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Krieps will play Bridget Sullivan, the Bordens’ live-in maid — an essential witness in the real case.

• Rebecca Hall

The talented actress from Passing and Christine will take on the role of Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother, whose death alongside Andrew Borden lies at the center of the infamous murder mystery.

• Billie Lourd

Recognized for her roles in American Horror Story and The Last Showgirl, Lourd will portray Emma Borden, Lizzie’s older sister.

• Jessica Barden

Best known for The End of the F**ing World* and Dune: Prophecy, she will star as Nance O’Neill, Lizzie’s actress friend and a controversial figure in her later life.

These casting choices indicate a season rich with emotional complexity, layered performances, and historical nuance.

Max Winkler Directs the First Episode

The first episode of Season 4 will be directed by Max Winkler, who previously worked on Monster: The Ed Gein Story and Grotesquerie. His experience with atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling is expected to shape the tone of the season’s opening chapter.

A Look Back: Monster’s Award-Winning Legacy

The Monster anthology has become one of Netflix’s most successful and critically acclaimed franchises. The first two installments earned a combined 24 Emmy nominations, solidifying their place in streaming history.

Season 1: DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Starring Evan Peters, the season became one of Netflix’s most-watched series ever, surpassing one billion viewing hours within its first 60 days and ranking #4 on Netflix’s all-time English TV Top 10 list.

Season 2: Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story

Focusing on the infamous Menendez brothers, played by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, the second installment earned 11 nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards (2025).

Season 3: Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Chronicling the life of the “Plainfield Ghoul,” whose crimes inspired Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs, the season reached 12.2 million global views within three days and hit #1 in 11 countries.

Season 4 now carries the weight of this extraordinary legacy — and the promise of exploring a darker, more psychologically complex narrative.

What to Expect from Monster Season 4

With production underway in Los Angeles, Season 4 is expected to:

Dive deeper into the life and psychology of Lizzie Borden

Explore the cultural narratives surrounding women labeled as “monsters”

Examine questions of justice, public perception, and historical bias

Deliver Ryan Murphy’s signature blend of stylized storytelling and true-crime realism

The season aims to revisit one of the most debated cases in American legal history, offering a fresh lens on the crime, the media frenzy, and the myths surrounding Lizzie Borden.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

As production continues, Netflix promises more announcements about Season 4 — including release details, trailers, and first look images.

Monster Season 4 is officially in motion, and the world is watching.