Sarah Paulson has undergone a dramatic physical transformation to embody serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the upcoming fourth season of Ryan Murphy's Netflix anthology series, "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." First-look images and the trailer reveal Paulson with shaved eyebrows, disheveled blonde hair, pale skin, and decayed teeth, capturing Wuornos's weathered appearance.
In the series, Paulson's Wuornos is set to play a significant role in the season's thematic focus, appearing in scenes set decades after her own crimes. The narrative will primarily center on Lizzie Borden, portrayed by Ella Beaty, the historical figure accused of a brutal double murder in 1892 who was never convicted. Wuornos, convicted of six murders committed between 1989 and 1990 along a central Florida highway, is depicted as being inspired by Borden's story.
Wuornos, a homeless sex worker at the time of her crimes, was dubbed the "Damsel of Death." She was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002, at the age of 46. Her life and crimes have been the subject of numerous films and documentaries, most notably the 2003 Academy Award-winning film "Monster," in which Charlize Theron also underwent a significant physical transformation to portray the serial killer.
Series co-creator Ian Brennan commented on Paulson's casting, calling her portrayal "an unexpected breath of fresh air" and noting her exceptional performance. "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix on September 17.