Elizabeth Banks Set to Star in True Crime Drama

Elizabeth Banks is reportedly taking on the role of Karen Reed in an upcoming crime drama series. This project is being developed by Prime Video and Warner Bros. TV, focusing on Reed’s quest to prove her innocence in the murder of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. According to various sources, Banks won’t just act in the series—she’ll also serve as an executive producer.

The case has drawn significant media attention, especially on platforms like TikTok. O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, was found dead outside his home in 2022. At that time, Reed faced accusations of striking him with her car after a night out with friends.

She was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident but pleaded not guilty. The initial court appearance resulted in a mistrial. Ultimately, in June, the judge acquitted her of the second-degree murder charge but found her guilty of a lesser offense: operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Banks isn’t the only one stepping into the realm of true crime roles recently. Netflix has announced that Charlie Hunnam will portray the notorious killer Ed Gein in the third season of its anthology series “Monster,” set to debut this October. Additionally, Hulu recently explored the story of Amanda Knox, featuring Grace Van Patten in the lead role as the American woman accused in her roommate’s death in Italy.

Other notable true crime adaptations include “The Act,” in which Joey King and Patricia Arquette delve into the life of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Gypsy was eventually involved in her mother’s death after years of alleged abuse related to Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

In a different vein, Dennis Quaid has starred in the series “Happy Face,” which recounts the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, a serial killer whose daughter discovers his dark secret. Quaid remarked that taking on such a chilling role did have an unsettling effect, especially for his wife.