Netflix’s hit anthology series Monster is back — and this time, the chilling story moves to 19th-century Massachusetts. Following the success of Dahmer and Ed Gein, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan have begun filming Monster Season 4, centering on the legendary Lizzie Borden case. The cameras are rolling in Los Angeles, and early behind-the-scenes photos have already given fans a first look at the gothic world of the Bordens.
With a star-studded cast led by Ella Beatty, Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, and Vicky Krieps, the new season aims to blend true-crime realism with psychological horror — a trademark of Murphy’s storytelling.
Introduction to the Season
Monster Season 4 retells the gruesome and mysterious tale of Lizzie Borden, the Massachusetts woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. Though acquitted, Lizzie’s case became one of America’s earliest and most enduring crime obsessions, inspiring songs, plays, and endless speculation.
Series creator Ryan Murphy says this season will focus not only on the infamous murders but also on “the suffocating societal pressures of Victorian womanhood, wealth, and reputation.”
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story |
| Season | 4 |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller / Crime Anthology |
| Showrunners | Ryan Murphy & Ian Brennan |
| Director (Episode 1) | Max Winkler |
| Filming Start Date | October 2025 |
| Filming Wrap (Expected) | March 2026 |
| Release Window | Fall 2026 (expected) |
| Primary Locations | Los Angeles, CA |
| Episodes (Expected) | 8 |
Cast and Characters
Ryan Murphy’s Monster franchise has a reputation for assembling powerhouse ensembles, and Season 4 is no exception.
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ella Beatty | Lizzie Borden | The young woman at the center of America’s most notorious parricide case — charming, intelligent, and possibly lethal. |
| Charlie Hunnam | Andrew Borden | Lizzie’s strict, frugal father, whose mysterious death triggers public fascination. |
| Rebecca Hall | Abby Borden | Lizzie’s stepmother, whose strained relationship with Lizzie fuels suspicion. |
| Vicky Krieps | Bridget Sullivan | The family maid and key witness, torn between duty and fear. |
| Billie Lourd | Emma Borden | Lizzie’s protective sister, caught between loyalty and doubt. |
| Jessica Barden | Nance O’Neill | Lizzie’s close friend — rumored to be more than that — who offers her emotional refuge. |
Filming and Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
Production for Monster: Lizzie Borden began in early October 2025 and is set to continue through March 2026. Early on-set photos reveal glimpses of the cast in period costumes and haunting New England-inspired sets recreated in Los Angeles.
- Charlie Hunnam was spotted in a brown robe and full beard — a striking transformation for his role as Andrew Borden.
- Ella Beatty (daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty) was photographed in a soft pink Victorian gown and floral headpiece, standing beside Vicky Krieps.
- Rebecca Hall, elegant and eerie, appeared in a lavender dress peering from a window, embodying Abby’s paranoia.
Director Max Winkler was seen leading the first shoot, ensuring the historical tone stays grounded yet cinematic.
The Lizzie Borden Legacy: Revisiting a National Obsession
The story of Lizzie Borden has fascinated audiences for over a century. The murders — carried out with an axe on August 4, 1892 — left Lizzie’s father and stepmother brutally slain. The absence of blood on Lizzie and her composed demeanor in court created an enduring mystery.
Crime historian Dr. Amanda Burke notes:
“The Lizzie Borden case represents a turning point in American criminal justice — the moment when media frenzy, gender politics, and class bias shaped public perception of guilt.”
Ryan Murphy’s adaptation will dive deeper into this psychological angle, exploring not just the crime but how society turned Lizzie into a symbol — part victim, part villain.
Production & Release Details
| Stage | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Production | July–September 2025 | Completed |
| Filming Start | October 2025 | Active |
| Holiday Break | December 2025 | Scheduled pause |
| Filming Wrap | March 2026 | Estimated |
| Post-Production | Spring–Summer 2026 | Editing & scoring |
| Netflix Premiere | Fall 2026 | Likely October–November |
Industry analyst Maya Robinson says:
“Given the critical acclaim of the Ed Gein chapter, Netflix will likely position the Lizzie Borden season as its major Fall 2026 prestige release — right in time for award season buzz.”
Comparison with Previous Seasons
| Season | Focus Killer | Lead Actor(s) | Tone & Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story | Jeffrey Dahmer | Evan Peters | Psychological horror and systemic failure |
| Monster: The Menendez Brothers | Lyle & Erik Menendez | Cooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez | Familial trauma and media spectacle |
| Monster: The Ed Gein Story | Ed Gein | Charlie Hunnam | Psychological terror and isolation |
| Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story | Lizzie Borden | Ella Beatty | Gender, power, and morality in Victorian America |
Film critic Nadine Shaw remarks:
“The evolution of Monster mirrors the changing public appetite for true crime — moving from voyeurism to emotional depth. Lizzie’s story, filtered through a feminist lens, might be Murphy’s most complex yet.”
Why It Matters?
Monster Season 4 arrives at a time when audiences crave historical reexamination. Lizzie Borden’s tale blends feminism, repression, and sensationalism — themes that resonate in modern true-crime storytelling.
Cultural sociologist Dr. Thomas Keller adds:
“Murphy and Brennan’s choice of Lizzie Borden isn’t about bloodlust. It’s about dissecting who society demonizes — and why. Lizzie was both a product and a prisoner of her time.”
The casting of Ella Beatty, a rising star from Hollywood royalty, also signals Netflix’s confidence in creating an awards-caliber event series.
Recent Updates (October 2025)
- Filming Active in Los Angeles: Crews have recreated 1890s Fall River streets with period-accurate storefronts and cobblestone streets.
- Returning Cast Members: Charlie Hunnam and Vicky Krieps reprise roles from Season 3’s Ed Gein, maintaining thematic continuity.
- Director Max Winkler: Known for Jungleland and Flower, his approach promises “gritty intimacy over spectacle.”
- Expected Wrap: March 2026, positioning the show for post-production through late summer.
FAQs
1. When will Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premiere on Netflix?
The fourth season is expected to debut in Fall 2026, possibly October or November.
2. Is Ella Beatty related to Annette Bening and Warren Beatty?
Yes — she’s their daughter, marking her biggest breakout role to date.
3. Will Charlie Hunnam appear again?
Yes, he plays Andrew Borden — making him one of few actors to return in consecutive Monster seasons.
4. Is the series based on true events?
Absolutely. Lizzie Borden’s 1892 trial remains one of America’s most infamous murder cases.
5. How many episodes will there be?
While not confirmed, the series is expected to follow previous seasons with around eight episodes.
6. Who directs the new season?
Max Winkler will direct the premiere episode, with additional directors to be announced.
