Monster, the controversial crime drama from Netflix, has gotten a major update for its upcoming fourth season.
The anthology series, from creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, follows the lives of "monstrous" figures in society, with each season focusing on a different real-life case involving murder.
With the third season, titled The Original Monster, set to premiere later this year, work is already under way on its follow-up, and Netflix (via Tudum) has confirmed that Ella Beatty will take on the lead role for the fourth season.
Beatty will portray the "infamous" Lizzie Borden, a real-life figure accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. The actor, who previously collaborated with Murphy in the second season of Feud, will be joined by Vicky Krieps and Rebecca Hall.
Production is due to begin later this year, with Max Winkler confirmed to be directing the first instalment of the season. Krieps and Hall's roles are yet to be disclosed, while it is unknown how many episodes will be filmed for the season.
Related: Exciting news! Netflix's number 1 hit mystery thriller will be back for another season
What to Read Next
The series premiered in 2022 with The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which saw Evan Peters assume the role of the titular serial killer. A second season, released in 2024, focused on the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.
Despite receiving a hatful of Primetime Emmy nominations, the series has garnered mixed reviews from both critics and viewers, with each season generating controversy for its messaging and depiction of events.
Related: Best streaming services UK 2025 — including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+
In regards to the second season, Erik Menendez claimed that the series was a "dishonest" and "ruinous portrayal" that played into "lies". Murphy responded with a statement of his own, saying he and his team had an "obligation as storytellers" to depict several "theories".
Before Beatty is seen on screen as Lizzie, Charlie Hunnam will portray Ed Gein in The Original Monster, with the actor being joined in the cast by Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, Addison Rae and Danielle Campbell.
Monster streams on Netflix.
Digital Spy's new print issue is here! Buy Oasis - Live in '25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
