Elizabeth Banks is set to star as Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman who was accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, in an upcoming true crime series.
The actress, who is known for appearing in the Hunger Games, has signed on to play the lead in the infamous murder trial, which was one of the most watched cases of recent times.
Banks, 51, last starred in the murder mystery The Better Sisters, another thriller drama, opposite Jessica Biel.
One of her most recognizable roles is Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games film series. Banks also starred in the Pitch Perfect movie series among many other dramas.
The limited series was acquired by Prime Video and Warner Bros Television; the series will be written by Justin Noble, who will be the showrunner and one of the co-executive producers alongside David E. Kelley.
Banks will also executive produce the limited series through her Brownstone banner in collaboration with her producing partner Max Handelman and Krissy Wall.
Elizabeth Banks is set to star as Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman who was accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, in an upcoming true crime series; pictured May in New York City
In the real-life case, a Boston police officer is found dead in the snow, and the first suspect is his girlfriend: Karen Read
Banks just worked with Prime Video for the series The Better Sister.
She also recently worked on the FX series Mrs. America.
The upcoming series, which does not yet have a name, will be based on the Law & Crime and Wondery podcast Karen.
The story follows the trial that ‘captivated the country and turned Read into a household name,’ per Deadline.
In the real-life case, a Boston police officer is found dead in the snow, and the first suspect is his girlfriend: Karen Read.
The case is described as one that ‘fractures a community, with some believing she is guilty of first-degree murder, and others that she’s the victim of a sweeping cover-up by state and local law enforcement.’
The description for the show-to-come also ‘explores society’s obsession with true crime, the allure of conspiracy and the deepening crisis of trust in our institutions,’ according to the outlet.
The trial was one of the most watched in recent times as the case became a recurring story on multiple talk shows.
The actress, who is known for appearing in the Hunger Games, has signed on to play the lead in the infamous murder trial, which was one of the most watched cases of recent times; pictured March 2023 in Los Angeles
One of her most recognizable roles is Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games film series. Banks also starred in the Pitch Perfect movie series among many other dramas
In addition to the frequent news coverage, the trial was also quickly turned into a Netflix documentary before even the jury finished deliberation and the final verdict was delivered
Her first trial ended months later in a mistrial due to a ‘starkly divided’ hung jury. Upon retrial, the jury voted unanimously to acquit her on the most serious charges after more than 20 hours of deliberations
In addition to the frequent news coverage, the trial was also quickly turned into a Netflix documentary before even the jury finished deliberation and the final verdict was delivered.
Her first trial, which started in April 2024 at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, ended months later in a mistrial due to a ‘starkly divided’ hung jury.
Upon retrial, the jury voted unanimously to acquit her on the most serious charges after more than 20 hours of deliberations.
On June 24, the second jury found Karen Read not guilty of murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
She was only found to be guilty of driving under the influence.
At the time, jurors stated that prosecutors failed to present enough evidence to prove that Read hit her then-boyfriend John O’Keefe with her car and left him in the show.
The jury foreman stated that ‘no one could prove that she did this crime,’ and thus Read was acquitted of killing her boyfriend.
