Charlize Theron to portray serial killer

ACTRESS Charlize Theron has signed a deal to star in the movie Monster, about the serial killer Aileen Wuornos who was executed Wednesday in Florida, the Hollywood Reporter said.

Wuornos, who's been called America's first female serial killer, was a prostitute who killed seven men in nine months, starting in 1989.

She claimed she had turned to prostitution after a childhood marred by drugs and sexual abuse and that she had killed each of the victims in self-defence.

According to a report published yesterday, the movie will focus on a lesbian who fell in love with Wuornos at the time she committed the murders.

The film is scheduled to shoot in January on location in Florida.

Meanwhile, Theron is busy shooting The Italian Job. -- Sapa-AP