3 Minutes
Production Kicks Off in Los Angeles
Netflix has officially begun production on Monster Season 4, the next installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Emmy-winning true-crime anthology. The streamer announced filming in Los Angeles with a first behind-the-scenes image that teases the series’ new focus: Lizzie Borden, played by Élla Bitei. The snapshot also reintroduces Charlie Hunnam to the franchise in a fresh role, marking a notable cast return after his performance in season 3.
Who’s Who — Cast and Creative Team
Season 4 centers on Lizzie Borden — the first female ‘monster’ in the anthology — and assembles a strong ensemble: Charlie Hunnam appears as Andrew Borden, Vicky Krieps is Bridget Sullivan, Rebecca Hall plays Abby Borden, Billie Lourd portrays Emma Borden, and Jessica Barden takes on Nance O’Neill. Max Winkler, who directed episodes of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, is set to helm the premiere episode, signaling creative continuity with the previous season’s visual and tonal approach.
Context: Where This Fits in the Monster Franchise
Since Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story debuted in 2022, the Monster anthology has become Netflix’s flagship true-crime drama, raking in awards attention and massive viewing figures. Season 3, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, enjoyed a blockbuster launch (12.2 million global views in its first three days and #1 in 11 countries), helping sustain appetite for dramatized retellings of infamous crimes. Season 2, covering the Menendez brothers, continued the awards momentum with multiple Emmy nominations.
Trends, Comparisons, and Expectations
Fans and critics often compare Monster to other prestige true-crime series like American Crime Story and Mindhunter. Unlike documentary-driven shows, Monster leans into theatrical reinterpretation and moral inquiry — testing how much empathy and critique can coexist when dramatizing notorious crimes. With Lizzie Borden at center stage, the series can explore gendered narratives of violence and media spectacle in a way previous seasons didn’t prioritize.
Behind the scenes, Charlie Hunnam’s return in a different role follows a trend in anthology TV where actors reappear in new capacities (similar to American Horror Story). Viewers should also expect polished production values and a soundtrack-driven style consistent with Ryan Murphy’s imprint.
A light critical note: while Monster’s scale and performances draw attention, the franchise must balance dramatization with responsibility to victims and historical accuracy — a debate that has followed each season.
In short, Monster Season 4 promises star power, fresh perspectives on a well-known case, and another chapter in Netflix’s high-profile true-crime slate.
Comments
mArloX
is this really needed? another true-crime dramatization, but will they respect the victims or just chase ratings. kinda tired of it.
skybyte
wow, lizzie borden? unexpected pick. curious if they'll lean into sensationalism or actually dig into the gendered angle. hope it's handled carefully...
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