Elisabeth Moss to play real-life killer Candy Montgomery in limited series

Elisabeth Moss has a killer new role.

The Emmy-winning actress is set to star in a limited series tentatively titled Candy, which is based on the true story of Texas killer Candy Montgomery, a wife and mother who seemingly had it all—until she was accused of killing her friend from church with an ax. In 1980, Montgomery was put on trial for the murder of Betty Gore, the wife of a man with whom Montgomery had conducted an affair.

The script of the pilot was written by Robin Veith, whose credits include Mad Men and Hulu's true-crime drama The Act, which starred Patricia Arquette. The Act executive producer Nick Antosca will also serve as an EP for the new show.

In a statement, Moss said, "I have been wanting to play an anti-heroine for a while now, and have been trying to work with Robin again after Mad Men for even longer, so when she asked me if I wanted to play a housewife from Texas who, some would say, got away with murder, I simply said, 'Where do I sign?' Adding the opportunity to work with Nick after his incredible work on The Act was like taking a delicious dessert and putting 100 cherries on top."

The series from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, will be shopped around at premium and streaming platforms.

Moss's recent credits include The Handmaid's Tale, The Invisible Man, and the just-released Shirley.

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