Patty Jenkins’ “Monster” is a brilliant biographical crime drama movie. It tells the story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, a street-based sex worker who murdered seven of her male clients between 1989 and 1990, and was ultimately executed for her crimes at Florida State Prison in 2002.
It stars Charlize Theron as Wuornos. She gives a performance that won her the Oscar for Best Actress at the 2004 Academy Awards.
Theron is ably supported by a brilliant cast that includes Christina Ricci and Bruce Dern, among others.
“Monster” holds an impressive 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Commercially, it was successful, grossing close to $60 million worldwide, having cost around $8 million to make (per Box Office Mojo).
Released in the United States on December 24, 2003, the movie will turn 23 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see how the core cast are looking now, over two decades later, compared to when it hit theaters? Let’s do that now…
Charlize Theron (Aileen Wuornos)
GettyAcademy Award-winning actress and producer Charlize Theron played Aileen Wuornos in “Monster.” Wuornos is a lady of the night who killed several of her male clients, and was ultimately sentenced to death for the killings.
Age when “Monster” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: The Devil’s Advocate (1997), Mighty Joe Young (1998), The Cider House Rules (1999).
Above is a 2026 social media by Charlize Theron with four recent pictures of her.
Age now: 50.
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: North Country (2005), Æon Flux (2005), Bombshell (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Christina Ricci (Selby Wall)
GettyFormer child actress Christina Ricci played Selby Wall in “Monster.” Selby is Aileen’s young lesbian lover, based on Wuornos’ real girlfriend Tyria Moore. Their relationship provides the movie’s emotional core.
Age when “Monster” released: 23.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: Mermaids (1990), The Addams Family (1991), Casper (1995).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Christina Ricci with two recent pictures of her.
Age now: 46.
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: Cursed (2005), Bel Ami (2012), The Matrix Resurrections (2021).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Bruce Dern (Thomas)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated actor Bruce Dern played Thomas in “Monster.” Thomas is Aileen’s kind and older friend who is something of a father figure to her. He genuinely cares for her and provides rare moments of stability in her life.
Age when “Monster” released: 67.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: The Great Gatsby (1974), Coming Home (1978), That Championship Season (1982).
Above is a 2026 social media post with a recent picture of Bruce Dern (L).
Age now: 89.
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: Nebraska (2013), The Hateful Eight (2015), Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lee Tergesen (Vincent Corey)
GettyTelevision and movie actor Lee Tergesen played Vincent Corey in “Monster.” Vincent is one of Aileen’s clients, based on Richard Mallory, whose encounter with her signals a major turning point on her path to violence.
Age when “Monster” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: Wayne’s World (1992), Shaft (2000), Bark! (2002).
GettyAge now: 60.
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), Red Tails (2012), Desert Cathedral (2014).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Annie Corley (Donna)
GettyMovie and television actress Annie Corley played Donna in “Monster.” Donna is Selby’s Aunt and guardian who disapproves of her relationship with Aileen Wuornos.
Age when “Monster” released: 43.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: Malcolm X (1992), The Cider House Rules (1999), Seabiscuit (2003).
GettyAge now: 66 (she has disappeared from the public eye in recent years).
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: The Lucky Ones (2008), Law Abiding Citizen (2009), Faster (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Scott Wilson (Horton)
Getty“The Walking Dead” star Scott Wilson played Horton in “Monster.” Horton is one of Aileen Wuornos’ clients and her final victim.
Age when “Monster” released: 61.
Selected movie credits before “Monster”: In Cold Blood (1967), Blue City (1986), The Exorcist III (1990).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2018 aged 76.
Selected movie credits after “Monster”: Junebug (2005), Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006), Radio Free Albemuth (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see the majority of “Monster’s” core cast are still with us, but sad to know not all of them have made it to 2026.
May Scott Wilson rest in eternal peace.
