Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story was released on Netflix on September 17th, 2026, and it’s another installment of the Monster series. However, what viewers may not realize is that the lead is the daughter of two Hollywood icons. So, who are they? Keep reading for all of the exciting details.
Lizzie Borden Has Iconic Parents
Monster is on its fourth season. Its first season was about Jeffrey Dahmer, while the second followed Lyle and Erik Menendez. The third focused on Ed Gein but was highly scrutinized for being inaccurate, although Charlie Hunnam received praise for his portrayal. Now, the fourth is out and is all about Lizzie Borden. She was a 19th-century murder suspect, but it leads into the life of Ailene Warnos. Playing the role of Lizzie Borden is twenty-six-year-old Ella Beatty, but who is she? Her last name may sound familiar, but what is she known for?
As it turns out, she comes from a very famous family. Her father is Oscar-winning Warren Beatty, while her mother is Annette Bening, who has been nominated for the prestigious honor. Additionally, her aunt is Shirley MacLaine, so this family is chock-full of talent. Ella has three older siblings and graduated from Juilliard School in 2022. Much of her work has been in theater, but she really started to act in 2024, making her film debut in 2025 with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Her first television role was in 2024 in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.
Ella walked the red carpet with her parents back in 2016. They did not appear to attend her Monster premiere, but she looked radiant in a long dress, unlike her Lizzie Borden character. She has stated that this is a clear path for her given how she was raised:
“I don’t know anything else. I have no other context for the world but my parents are the most loving, supportive, incredible artists, that was the way that I understood, to contextualise, the world since I was a very little girl.”
Rave Reviews
Warren Beatty is best known for Dick Tracy and Bonnie and Clyde, while Annette Bening starred in American Beauty and Love Affair. After followers saw Ella Beatty, they could see both of her parents in her:
- She’s the perfect combo of her dad and mom
- I see Warren Beatty in her sparkling eyes
This Monster series has already garnered rave reviews:
- This was so good and how it payed tribute to Aileen 10/10
- This is so good. Can’t believe Ella has lived up to the legacy of her parents and her aunt. I can see al of their talents and characteristics in her.
- I had reservations about this story because we’ve seen it before. But I think this might be the best monster season yet. This actually looks really good.
Did you have any idea who Ella Beatty’s parents were, and have you watched Monster yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.