Sarah Paulson Says Playing “Monster”’s Aileen Wuornos Felt Like a ‘Parachute Jump Out of a Plane’ (Exclusive)

**Sarah Paulson Takes on Chilling Role in ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’**

Acclaimed actress Sarah Paulson has taken on a formidable challenge in her latest role as Aileen Wuornos, the notorious convicted serial killer, in the Netflix series “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.” This season of the anthology series, co-created by Ryan Murphy, intertwines the stories of two women who have left indelible marks on history, with Paulson’s portrayal noted as both deeply compelling and extraordinarily daunting.

At the premiere of “American Horror Story” season 13 in New York City, Paulson opened up about the complexity of her character, expressing that stepping into the shoes of Wuornos was one of the most intimidating experiences of her career. “It felt like a real honour and a total parachute jump out of a plane,” she remarked, reflecting on the gravity of the role and the historical figure.

In this fourth season, the narrative prominently features Lizzie Borden, a figure infamously accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the 19th century. The show contrasts Borden’s story of alleged violence with that of Wuornos, who killed seven men in Florida during the late 1980s. Although Wuornos is portrayed as an admirer of Borden, it is crucial to note that there is no historical evidence suggesting Wuornos had any knowledge of Borden’s crimes.

Co-creator Ian Brennan has described the inclusion of Wuornos as a means to explore the treatment of women and perceptions of female violence across time. During the premiere, he pointed out how the juxtaposition of these two women illustrates the societal reactions to their rage and acts of violence. “What is the Lizzie of our world? How is she treated? And how does she lash out?” he pondered, highlighting the show’s ambition to engage with historical narratives of female aggression.

The choice to feature both Aileen Wuornos and Countess Elizabeth Báthory—in a season that aims to demystify the concept of female rage—aligns with Brennan’s vision to connect historical events with contemporary issues. Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries, was similarly accused of the murders of numerous young women. This parallel serves to remind audiences that themes of female rage have persisted throughout the ages and are not simply products of contemporary society.

Brennan further emphasised the importance of weaving Wuornos’s story into Borden’s narrative, stating it provided a deeper dimension to the storytelling. “It allowed us to fill out the story and add a third dimension, which I felt was really helpful. It just made it come alive all the more,” he explained, urging viewers to appreciate the depth of Paulson’s performance.

Throughout her career, Paulson has frequently collaborated with Ryan Murphy, and her consistent return speaks to her dedication to exploring challenging roles. In taking on the character of Wuornos, Paulson joins a long list of actresses who have portrayed the complex and troubled figure. Her approach, however, aims to present a new interpretation that melds her unique talents with the essence of the character, a feat she views as an honour.

As the show prepares for its release, the anticipation surrounding Paulson’s performance continues to grow. “It was a really scary thing to do,” she shared, acknowledging the emotional weight of bringing such a figure to life on screen. Fans of both the genre and Paul’s work can expect a gripping and intense portrayal that delves into the complexities of female violence and societal perceptions.

“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is now available for streaming on Netflix, promising viewers a haunting exploration of historical narratives intertwined with the darker aspects of humanity. As Paulson steps into the shoes of Aileen Wuornos, audiences are encouraged to reflect on the broader implications of the stories being told and their relevance to contemporary discussions surrounding gender and violence.