Netflix's Monster anthology series is preparing to pivot toward new subjects following its recent exploration of historical crime. Showrunner Ian Brennan has identified several high-profile figures currently under consideration for future installments of the Ryan Murphy-created franchise.
From Ted Bundy to Luigi Mangione: The Brennan Shortlist
Ian Brennan, the showrunner for the Netflix series Monster, has named four potential subjects for future seasons. According to a report from People, the shortlist includes Dennis Rader (BTK), Ted Bundy, the Green River Killer, and Luigi Mangione. This selection suggests the production is looking to balance classic, well-documented serial killers with more modern, controversial figures.
The move marks a significant expaansion of the series' scope. While previous seasons have focused on established historical narratives, the inclusion of these specific names indicates a desire to tap into both deep-seated true crime fascination and more immediate, topical interest. The shortlist represents a mix of different eras of American criminal history, spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day .
The Ryan Murphy influence on Netflix's crime catalog
The Monster franchise has become a cornerstone of Netflix's true crime offerings since its inception. As the source notes, the Ryan Murphy-created show has grown into one of the most noteworthy additions to the streaming service's library. This success is part of a broader industry trend where major platforms compete for dominance in the true crime genre through high-budget, character-driven anthologies.
By utilizing an anthology format, Netflix can refresh its content strategy with every new season. This allows the production to avoid the fatigue that often comes with long-running procedural shows. Instead, the series can jump from the 19th-century setting of The Lizzie Borden Story to the mid-century era of Ted Bundy, maintaining a sense of novelty for the audience while keeping the brand identity consistent.
The shift from Lizzie Borden to contemporary figures like Mangione
The inclusion of Luigi Mangione on the shortlist represents a major departure from the historical distance provided by the Lizzie Borden season. While figures like the Green River Killer or Ted Bundy are part of a settled historical record, Mangione is a much more recent and polarizing figure in the public consciousness. This shift suggests that the production may be moving toward more contemporary, high-stakes draatizations.
This transition raises questions about the production's approach to modern crime. Dramatizing figures who are still part of active or very recent news cycles is a different creative and ethical undertaking than revisiting historical cases. It moves the series from the realm of historical biography into the territory of immediate social commentary and current event dramatzation .
Which of the four frontrunners will Netflix greenlight?
While Brennan has provided a specific shortlist, several critical details remain unverified. It is currently unknown which of the four individuals—Rader, Bundy, the Green River Killer, or Mangione—will actually be selected for the next season. Furthermore, the source does not clarify if a prouction timeline has been established or if the series will return to a historical setting or embrace a modern aesthetic.
The decision-making process also remains opaque. it is unclear whether the selection will be driven by the potential for viral engagement, such as with the Mangione name, or by the narrative depth available in the classic cases of Bundy or Rader. Until Netflix or Brennan confirms a specific subject, the direction of the Monster franchise remains a matter of speculation.
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