Who Is Aileen Wuornos? All About the Serial Killer Sarah Paulson Plays in 'Monster'
TV & Film

Sarah Paulson to Play Serial Killer Aileen Wuornos in Netflix’s ‘Monster’ Franchise

The Emmy-winning actress is stepping into the role of the infamous murderer for the popular streaming anthology series.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

Sarah Paulson is officially preparing to tackle one of the most intense and chilling roles of her celebrated acting career. The acclaimed star is set to portray the notorious real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in an upcoming chapter of Netflix's hit anthology series, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*. According to reports, the Emmy-winning performer will lead the streaming giant's latest dive into American criminal history. The hit anthology franchise has captured massive global audiences by dramatizing the lives, crimes, and eventual trials of history's most infamous figures. Wuornos, a Florida highway sex worker convicted of shooting and killing seven men between 1989 and 1990, remains one of the most widely analyzed female serial killers in history. Her life story was notably adapted in the 2003 feature film *Monster*, which earned Charlize Theron widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award.

Who is sarah paulson playing in monster

Now, Paulson is stepping up to provide her own dramatic interpretation of Wuornos for a new generation of viewers. The inclusion of Wuornos within the *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* umbrella highlights the franchise's ongoing strategy of dissecting complex criminal cases, societal failures, and the cultural fascination surrounding notorious historical murderers. Paulson is far from a stranger when it comes to inhabiting intense, dark, or morally complex characters on the small screen. Over her long and celebrated career, the Hollywood powerhouse has consistently drawn praise for her ability to bring psychological depth to challenging roles. Taking on Wuornos will allow her to stretch those dramatic muscles once again in a project that is already generating significant buzz.

Sarah paulson monster lizzie borden cast

While specific plot details, production start dates, and further casting announcements are currently being kept under wraps, excitement surrounding the project is already building rapidly. Fans of the true-crime genre are particularly curious to see how the narrative connects these famous figures within the framework of the anthology series. As streaming platforms continue to double down on true-crime dramatizations, recruiting top-tier talent like Paulson ensures that the *Monster* franchise remains a flagship brand. Further official updates regarding the release date, official trailers, and additional supporting cast members are expected to be unveiled as production progresses.

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Sarah Paulson’s Emmy Record: The Roles, the Nominations, the Win

Before her next transformation, the Emmy record tells its own story: American Horror Story keeps Paulson in contention, and playing Marcia Clark puts a trophy in her hands.

  1. Game Change gets her on the ballot

    Sarah Paulson — Game Change gets her on the ballot

    Paulson lands her first Emmy nomination for playing campaign adviser Nicolle Wallace in Game Change. She competes in supporting actress in a miniseries or movie; Jessica Lange wins for American Horror Story.

  2. Asylum brings nomination No. 2

    Sarah Paulson — Asylum brings nomination No. 2

    Her performance as journalist Lana Winters in American Horror Story: Asylum earns a supporting-actress nomination. The Emmy goes to Ellen Burstyn for Political Animals.

  3. Coven moves her into the lead race

    Sarah Paulson — Coven moves her into the lead race

    Paulson earns her first lead-actress Emmy nomination for American Horror Story: Coven. She faces a co-star on the ballot: Jessica Lange, who takes the award for the same installment.

  4. Two nominations, one breakthrough

    Sarah Paulson — Two nominations, one breakthrough

    Paulson scores nominations for supporting actress in American Horror Story: Hotel and lead actress in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. On September 18, she wins her first Emmy for playing prosecutor Marcia Clark, whom she brings to the ceremony.

  5. Cult puts her back in contention

    Sarah Paulson — Cult puts her back in contention

    American Horror Story: Cult brings another lead-actress nomination in the limited-series-or-movie category. Regina King wins for Seven Seconds.

  6. Linda Tripp brings another lead nomination

    Sarah Paulson — Linda Tripp brings another lead nomination

    Paulson returns to the lead-actress Emmy race for playing Linda Tripp in Impeachment: American Crime Story. Amanda Seyfried wins for The Dropout.

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People also ask

Who is Sarah Paulson playing in the Monster series?
Sarah Paulson is set to play real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in an upcoming installment of Netflix's Monster anthology series.
Has Aileen Wuornos been portrayed in movies before?
Yes, Aileen Wuornos was famously portrayed by Charlize Theron in the 2003 feature film Monster, earning Theron an Academy Award for Best Actress.
What is the title of the new Monster season?
The upcoming chapter of the hit streaming anthology franchise is titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.