Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis is set to take the lead in an upcoming HBO crime thriller inspired by the true story of one of America's most infamous female serial killers.
HBO has announced that it is developing a new drama series, currently titled
Dorothea, which will explore the chilling crimes committed by Dorothea Puente—a woman whose name is now linked to one of California’s most notorious criminal cases. Geena Davis will not only star as the lead but also serve as an executive producer, marking her return to a prominent television role after several years. This project represents her first major TV series where she is the central figure.
The Shocking True Crime Story
The series will recount the life of Dorothea Puente, who ran a boarding house in Sacramento during the 1980s, catering to low-income residents. To her neighbors and acquaintances, she appeared to be a kind-hearted and caring individual dedicated to helping the elderly, homeless, and vulnerable members of society.
However, beneath this compassionate facade, Puente was involved in a deadly and manipulative scheme. Investigators discovered that she murdered several of her tenants and continued to collect their Social Security benefits even after their deaths. Prosecutors identified financial gain as the primary motivation behind her heinous acts.
The Creative Minds Behind the Series
The series’ screenplay is being penned by Joshua Michael Stern, renowned for his work on
Jobs. He will also serve as the showrunner for
Dorothea.
The initial concept was developed by Michael Rosenbaum, best known for his role in
Smallville, along with his writing partner Jane Whitney. After shaping the idea, they brought Joshua Michael Stern on board to develop the script. Geena Davis’s involvement helped in packaging the project, which eventually secured a green light from HBO.
What Made the Dorothea Puente Case So Infamous
For many years, Puente managed to evade suspicion largely due to her pristine public image. She was widely perceived as a caring elderly woman dedicated to aiding society’s most vulnerable, which allowed her to avoid law enforcement scrutiny for an extended period.
The case garnered nationwide attention after her arrest. She was convicted of three murders, though investigators suspect she may have been responsible for additional deaths. Puente spent the rest of her life in prison, and her story has since been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and investigative reports.
Geena Davis’s Career Resurgence
In recent years, Geena Davis has been gradually re-establishing her presence in film and television following a lengthy hiatus. She is set to appear in the comedy
The Wrong Girls and the action film
The Kellys, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Liam Hemsworth.
She also recently featured in the supernatural Netflix series
The Borough, which was canceled after its first season despite attracting audience interest. The upcoming HBO series promises to be a significant milestone in Davis’s career comeback, with her portrayal of Dorothea Puente poised to deliver one of her most intense and dramatic performances to date.
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