Netflix has offered its most unsettling look yet at the next chapter of Ryan Murphy’s Monster anthology — but it is a seemingly unrelated moment at the very end of the trailer that has left viewers speculating about where the franchise could go next.

The latest season, subtitled The Lizzie Borden Story, revisits the notorious 1892 killings of Borden’s father and stepmother. Ella Beatty takes the lead role, with the new footage offering a grim interpretation of events surrounding the case.

Yet the surprise appearance of Sarah Paulson as serial killer Aileen Wuornos has generated another question among fans: could Netflix already be planting the seeds for Monster Season 5?

Monster Turns Its Attention to Lizzie Borden

Created by Ryan Murphy, who is also known for series including American Horror Story, The Beauty and All’s Fair, Monster has previously explored several infamous true-crime figures and cases.

Earlier installments have focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, and Ed Gein.

This time, the anthology turns to Lizzie Borden, who was accused of killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet in 1892.

The newly released trailer gives viewers another look at how the series intends to dramatize the notorious case, with Beatty portraying Borden.

Beatty is the daughter of Hollywood actors Annette Bening and Warren Beatty.

Charlie Hunnam also appears as Lizzie’s father after previously portraying Ed Gein in the anthology.

Vicky Krieps Takes On Two Roles

Another notable addition is Vicky Krieps, who appears in a dual role.

She portrays the Borden family’s housemaid as well as Elizabeth Bathory, the historical figure alleged to have been a serial killer.

In the trailer, Bathory appears to communicate with Lizzie and encourage her to murder her parents.

The role also creates a connection to the previous Monster installment. Krieps portrayed Ilse Koch in The Ed Gein Story, where her character was depicted as an inspirational figure for Gein.

But while the new trailer contains plenty of disturbing imagery surrounding the Borden story, its closing sequence is what particularly caught viewers’ attention.

Sarah Paulson Appears as Aileen Wuornos

The final moments appear to take place long after the events surrounding the Borden killings.

A cardboard cutout of Beatty as Lizzie Borden can be seen in the background, suggesting the sequence may be set at the Borden house in the present day, after it became a destination open to visitors.

The property continues to be described as one of the most haunted houses in the United States.

It is here that Sarah Paulson appears as Aileen Wuornos.

Paulson has worked on numerous Ryan Murphy productions, but her appearance as Wuornos immediately stood out because the serial killer has no direct connection to the central 1892 story presented in the trailer.

Wuornos killed seven men between 1989 and 1990, and her crimes have subsequently inspired numerous documentaries and films.

One of the best-known dramatizations was the 2003 film Monster, in which Charlize Theron portrayed Wuornos.

Netflix has since confirmed through social media that Paulson is indeed playing Wuornos in The Lizzie Borden Story.

Fans Think Netflix May Be Teasing Monster Season 5

Paulson’s unexpected appearance quickly prompted speculation that the anthology may be setting up its next subject.

“Can’t wait!! So excited. Oh is the ending on the teaser of the next monster? I feel like it is!!” one viewer commented.

Another was even more convinced, writing: “Oh, I know what series they’re definitely doing next with Sarah Paulson.”

At this stage, however, Netflix has not confirmed that Aileen Wuornos will be the focus of another season.

It is also unclear how extensively Paulson will appear in The Lizzie Borden Story or whether her character’s inclusion is intended to establish something beyond the current installment.

For now, the idea of a Wuornos-focused follow-up remains a fan theory.

Viewers React to the Chilling New Footage

Beyond the speculation surrounding Paulson, the trailer itself has already generated strong reactions.

“This looks absolutely chilling,” one viewer wrote.

Another commented: “Hmm this looks horrific and I am liking it!”

A third praised the dark atmosphere of the footage, writing: “Netflix really knows how to make historical true crime feel terrifying. This one looks seriously dark.”

Whether Paulson’s brief appearance ultimately proves to be a clue about the anthology’s future remains unknown. What Netflix has confirmed is that she is playing Aileen Wuornos — leaving the extent and significance of the character’s involvement to be revealed when the new season arrives.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story begins streaming on Netflix on September 17.