In a startling on-set transformation, acclaimed actress Sarah Paulson has been pictured completely unrecognisable as she steps into the role of infamous 20th-century serial killer Aileen Wuornos. The images come from the Los Angeles set of the latest instalment in Ryan Murphy's true-crime anthology, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
A Dramatic On-Set Metamorphosis
The 51-year-old star, who received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star less than three weeks ago, was seen sporting the scraggly strawberry-blonde hair synonymous with Wuornos. Paulson appeared to be in the process of changing into costume, wearing a bathrobe and carrying a festive bag from Susie Cakes bakery, embracing the Christmas spirit on set.
Interestingly, Paulson is not portraying anyone directly connected to the central Lizzie Borden case. Instead, she will embody Wuornos, suggesting the new season may draw thematic links between the two infamous female killers from different centuries. Borden was acquitted in 1893 of the hatchet murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, while Wuornos, executed in 2002, claimed she killed in self-defence against violent clients while working as a prostitute.
Star-Studded Cast and Historical Parallels
The new season boasts a formidable cast. Lizzie Borden will be portrayed by Ella Beatty, the 25-year-old daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. Her parents, Andrew and Abby Borden, will be played by Charlie Hunnam and Rebecca Hall respectively. Billie Lourd, daughter of Carrie Fisher, takes the role of Lizzie's sister Emma.
This marks another collaboration between Paulson and producer Ryan Murphy. She previously won an Emmy for her role as prosecutor Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. She currently stars in Murphy's legal drama All's Fair alongside Kim Kardashian and Glenn Close.
The role of Aileen Wuornos was last immortalised on screen in the 2003 film Monster, which earned Charlize Theron an Academy Award for her transformative performance. The series will inevitably invite comparisons to that iconic portrayal.
Unsolved Mysteries and Enduring Legends
The Borden case remains one of history's most tantalising unsolved mysteries. Although Lizzie was found not guilty by a jury in June 1893, no one else was ever charged, and the court of public opinion has long held her responsible, fuelled by the famous nursery rhyme.
Parallels between the two cases have been noted by theorists. Unsubstantiated stories have swirled for years that Lizzie Borden was abused by the father she was accused of killing. Similarly, Wuornos maintained her actions were a desperate defence against rape and assault. Both women also became subjects of speculation about their personal lives and relationships.
With production now underway, audiences can anticipate a chilling and psychologically complex exploration of crime, notoriety, and the women forever defined by one brutal act. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story promises to be the next gripping chapter in Ryan Murphy's successful anthology series.
