Hollywood has always been fascinated by lineages, but rarely does a performer emerge with the technical precision and stage presence seen in Ella Beatty. Born on April 8, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, Ella is the youngest child of cinematic icons Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. While her last name carries significant weight, her trajectory suggests a deliberate focus on craft rather than celebrity.
After graduating from the Juilliard School in 2022, Beatty chose to sharpen her skills in challenging, character driven roles. Instead of jumping into big budget blockbusters, she opted for complex anthology series and high stakes Broadway replacements. By September 15, 2026, she has successfully transitioned from a promising newcomer to a leading lady in one of the most watched franchises on streaming platforms. This article explores her complete filmography, her highly anticipated lead role in the Monster anthology, and her upcoming projects for late 2026.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story (2026)
The biggest milestone in Ella Beatty’s career arrived with her casting as the titular character in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. This project serves as the fourth season of the Netflix biographical crime drama created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy. The series officially premiered on September 17, 2026, marking a significant shift for the franchise as its first female led season.
Character Depth and Production
Beatty portrays Lizzie Borden, the woman who was famously tried and eventually acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. Unlike previous adaptations of the Borden story, this series explores the psychological nuances of Lizzie’s life within a stifling Victorian household. Beatty stars alongside a powerhouse cast including Vicky Krieps and Rebecca Hall.
Critics have noted that Beatty brings a unique mixture of vulnerability and chilling detachment to the role. The production timeline for this season was intensive, focusing on the historical accuracy of the trial and the societal pressures that led to the infamous events. For Beatty, this role serves as her definitive breakout, proving she can carry a major production as the central figure.
Television Success: From Feud to Global Recognition
Before taking the lead in Monster, Ella Beatty established herself as a Ryan Murphy favorite through her work in the FX on Hulu anthology series. Her television debut in 2024 set the stage for her rapid ascent.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)
In her first major screen role, Beatty played Kerry O’Shea. Kerry was the surrogate daughter of Truman Capote, the daughter of John O’Shea. Appearing in four episodes, Beatty provided a grounded, emotional counterpoint to the high society drama and catty infighting of the Swans. Her performance was praised for its sincerity, standing out even when sharing the screen with seasoned veterans. This role was pivotal because it introduced her to the Ryan Murphy production ecosystem, directly leading to her casting in the Monster series.
Film Career: A24 and Post-Production Projects
Beatty’s film career is characterized by a leaning toward independent cinema and prestigious studios like A24. She has avoided the traditional path of teen comedies, favoring scripts with heavy emotional weight and artistic merit.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (2025)
Her feature film debut occurred in the A24 drama If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Directed by Mary Bronstein, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews. Beatty played the role of Kate, appearing alongside a diverse cast that included Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky. The plot involves a woman named Linda navigating her child’s mysterious illness and a crumbling marriage. Beatty’s performance as Kate was a showcase of her ability to handle naturalistic, indie style dialogue.
Act One (2026)
Released in June 2026, Act One features Beatty in the role of Hannah. Directed by Sophia Takal, the film explores themes of female competition and psychological tension. The industry reception for this film solidified Beatty’s status as a versatile actress capable of handling modern, sharp scripts that deviate from her period piece television work.
The Bell Jar (TBA)
One of the most anticipated projects in Beatty’s pipeline is the new adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. As of September 2026, the film is in post production. Beatty joins a cast that includes Connor Storrie, taking on a project that requires immense emotional range. Given the source material’s history, this film is expected to be a major contender in the awards circuit upon its eventual release.
Broadway and Stage: The Juilliard Foundation
Ella Beatty is a classically trained actress, and her commitment to the theater remains a cornerstone of her career. Her stage work often mirrors the intensity of her screen roles, frequently involving complex family dynamics and psychological drama.
Appropriate (2024)
Beatty made her Broadway debut at the Belasco Theatre in 2024. She stepped into the role of River Rayner, replacing Elle Fanning in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ acclaimed play. Replacing a well known star like Fanning in a Tony winning production was a high pressure move, yet Beatty received accolades for her interpretation of the character. The play, which deals with a family discovering their father’s dark past, was the perfect vehicle for her Juilliard trained sensibilities.
Ghosts (2025)
In 2025, Beatty returned to the stage in an off Broadway production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. She played Regina Engstrand, a flirtatious and ambitious maid. Starring alongside Billy Crudup and Lily Rabe, Beatty proved she could hold her own with some of the most respected names in contemporary theater. Critics described the ensemble as fierce, with Beatty’s performance adding a necessary layer of youthful tension to the classic Ibsen drama.
Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (2025-2026)
From late 2025 into early 2026, Beatty starred in Hannah Moscovitch’s Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes at the Minetta Lane Theatre. This off Broadway production saw her acting opposite Hugh Jackman. She played Annie, a student involved in a complex relationship with her professor. The play was a significant critical hit, further establishing her as a serious dramatic force in the New York theater scene.
A Comparison of Ella Beatty’s Key Roles
To understand her range, it is helpful to look at the diversity of characters she has portrayed in a very short amount of time. The following table breaks down her most notable performances.
| Project | Medium |
|---|---|
| Feud: Capote vs. The Swans | TV Series |
| Appropriate | Broadway |
| If I Had Legs I’d Kick You | Film |
| Ghosts | Off Broadway |
| Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story | TV Series |
| Act One | Film |
The Future of Ella Beatty
As we look toward the end of 2026 and into 2027, Ella Beatty’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. With Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story now available to a global audience on Netflix, her visibility is at an all time high. The combination of her Juilliard education and her lineage gives her a unique advantage: she possesses the technical skill of a seasoned stage actor and the industry literacy of a Hollywood insider.
Her upcoming release of The Bell Jar will likely be her next major move in the film world. Fans can expect her to continue balancing high profile television events with intimate, challenging stage roles. Whether she is wielding an axe in a Ryan Murphy thriller or navigating the complexities of a college classroom on stage, Ella Beatty is clearly carving a path that is entirely her own, separate from the shadows of her famous parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ella Beatty in the new Monster series?
Yes, Ella Beatty plays the lead role of Lizzie Borden in the fourth season of the Netflix anthology series, titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, which premiered on September 17, 2026.
Q. Who are Ella Beatty’s parents?
Ella Beatty is the daughter of actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. She is the youngest of their four children.
Q. Where did Ella Beatty go to drama school?
She graduated from the Juilliard School in 2022, where she studied drama. Her training there is frequently cited as a major influence on her approach to complex stage and screen roles.
Q. What was Ella Beatty’s Broadway debut?
She made her Broadway debut in 2024 at the Belasco Theatre in the play Appropriate, where she played the character River Rayner, taking over the role from Elle Fanning.
Q. Is Ella Beatty related to Shirley MacLaine?
Yes, Shirley MacLaine is Ella Beatty’s paternal aunt. This makes her part of a significant multi generational acting dynasty in Hollywood.
Q. Does Ella Beatty have any upcoming movies?
Aside from Act One and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, she will appear in the upcoming film adaptation of The Bell Jar, which is currently in post production as of late 2026.
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