Monster season 4 casts Joey Pollari in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix anthology series

Joey Pollari is officially returning to the Monster universe.

Joining Ryan Murphy’s Monster Season 4 on Netflix, Pollari didn’t just return to the anthology franchise. He’s taking on a role in the Lizzie Borden story that could define this next stage of his career.

He’s keeping fans’ eyes on him, marking this casting as a bold move in a high-profile true crime series.

Let’s break down everything we know about his role and what it means for Monster Season 4.

Ryan Murphy’s Monster Adds a Familiar Face

Pollari has joined the cast of Monster Season 4, which focuses on the infamous Lizzie Borden case. According to Variety, Pollari will portray John Morse, Lizzie Borden’s maternal uncle. This casting marks his second appearance in Ryan Murphy’s cold-blooded killer anthology series.

Pollari impressed viewers in Monster Season 3 as Anthony Perkins, the legendary Psycho star. His performance in The Ed Gein Story showcased his ability to embody complex historical figures with depth and authenticity. Now he steps into another pivotal role in the Lizzie Borden narrative.

The fourth season will examine the infamous American crime that has captivated audiences for over a century. Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father, Andrew, and stepmother, Abby, with an axe. She was eventually acquitted, but the case remains one of America’s most enduring mysteries.

Ryan Murphy continues building his anthology series with returning talent and fresh perspectives. The show examines not just the killers themselves but the cultural obsession surrounding them. With Pollari on board, Monster Season 4 promises another gripping exploration of American true crime.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Borden Story to Life

Monster Season 4 has assembled a powerhouse ensemble. Ella Beatty, daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, leads the cast as the notorious accused murderer. This marks a significant role for the young actress who previously appeared in Murphy’s Feud franchise.

Production officially began in Los Angeles in October 2025. Charlie Hunnam returns to the Monster franchise after his acclaimed performance. This time, he portrays Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father, and one of the murder victims.

Rebecca Hall joins the cast as Abby Borden, the stepmother whose relationship with Lizzie was reportedly strained. Vicky Krieps plays Bridget Sullivan, the Borden family’s live-in maid who became a key witness. Billie Lourd portrays Emma Borden, Lizzie’s older sister, while Jessica Barden takes on the role of Nance O’Neill.

The ensemble also features reported appearances by Sarah Paulson as serial killer Aileen Wuornos. This casting choice hints at Murphy’s signature approach of examining multiple notorious figures within a single narrative. Max Winkler, son of Henry Winkler, will direct the pilot episode.

Monster’s Legacy of Controversial True Crime

The Monster anthology has become one of Netflix’s most successful and controversial franchises. The series launched in 2022 with Dahmer, starring Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer. That season became one of Netflix’s top five most-watched English-language series of all time.

Season 2 focused on the Menendez brothers, with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch in the lead roles. The show reignited public interest in the case and sparked debates about the brothers’ convictions. The real-life brothers’ case is currently under review.

Monster Season 3 shifted to Ed Gein, with Charlie Hunnam delivering a transformative performance as the notorious killer. Gein’s crimes inspired films like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. The season examined Hollywood’s fascination with real-life horror.

Now with Lizzie Borden, the series tackles its first female subject and an unsolved mystery. This represents a departure from previous seasons that focused on convicted killers. The ambiguity surrounding Borden’s guilt or innocence offers storytelling opportunities. Expect the same blend of true crime, social commentary, and provocative entertainment.

The Beauty Keeps Pollari in the Murphy Universe

Joey Pollari isn’t just returning for Monster Season 4. He’s also starring in another Ryan Murphy project that premieres even sooner. The Beauty is a thriller series debuting on FX and Hulu on January 21, 2026.

The series is based on a comic book by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. Murphy has described it as a commentary on modern beauty obsession and quick-fix culture. This back-to-back involvement in Murphy projects shows the producer’s trust in Pollari as a versatile performer.

From historical figures to contemporary thrillers, Pollari navigates different genres with ease. His ability to move between Monster’s period settings and The Beauty’s modern horror demonstrates impressive range. Few actors get the opportunity to work with Murphy across multiple projects simultaneously.

The timing works perfectly for Pollari’s growing profile. The Beauty premieres in January, keeping him in the spotlight before Monster Season 4 arrives later in 2026. Fans will get to see two very different performances from the same actor within months.

What to Expect from Monster Season 4

The season is expected to premiere on Netflix in late 2026, likely in September or October. Previous seasons have followed this release pattern. Filming began in October 2025, giving the production team ample time for the complex period setting.

The Lizzie Borden murders remain one of America’s most debated unsolved crimes. Andrew and Abby Borden were killed with a hatchet in their home on August 4, 1892. Andrew received approximately 10 blows while Abby suffered around 17. Lizzie was arrested as the prime suspect despite her claims of innocence.

Ryan Murphy has indicated the season will explore themes of gender and societal judgment. Lizzie Borden faced intense scrutiny partly because violent crime by women was considered especially shocking. The media coverage and public opinion were influenced by Victorian-era attitudes about femininity.

With Joey Pollari playing John Morse and the stellar ensemble surrounding him, expectations are high for Season 4. The series continues to push boundaries in true crime storytelling. Whether it will spark the same controversy as previous seasons remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Monster Season 4 will generate conversation when it arrives on Netflix later this year.

TL;DR

• Joey Pollari joins Monster Season 4 as John Morse, Lizzie Borden’s uncle.
• He previously played Anthony Perkins in Monster Season 3: The Ed Gein Story.
• Pollari also stars in Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty, premiering January 21, 2026, on FX.
• Charlie Hunnam returns to Monster, this time as Andrew Borden.
• Monster Season 4 is expected to premiere in September or October 2026.
• The season examines famous women labeled as monsters throughout history.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.