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Elizabeth Banks cast as Karen Read: What readers said about the limited series role
Readers debated Elizabeth Banks’ role as Karen Read, suggesting Anne Hathaway, Amanda Peet, Annie Murphy, and more.
Elizabeth Banks will play Karen Read in Prime Video’s upcoming limited series about the high profile case and readers are somewhat divided, according to the results of an informal Boston.com poll.
Banks, a Pittsfield native will also executive produce the show, alongside showrunner Justin Noble, known for “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and David E. Kelley from “Big Little Lies.”
The show, also developed by Warner Bros Television, will explore “society’s obsession with true crime, the allure of conspiracy, and the deepening crisis of trust in our institutions,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
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It will be based on Law & Crime and The Wondery’s podcast “Karen,” and is separate from the screen adaptation Read and defense attorney Alan Jackson signed with LBI productions following the trial. Read herself is uninvolved in the production and has since spoken out against it.
“There is more to this story — I won’t say another side, I think that the public at large knows this story, they know the truth, but there’s a lot more to it than what, I think, Elizabeth Banks knows at this point,” Read, 45, said of the Prime Video production on The Howie Carr Show Aug. 28.
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Read was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the murder of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe this past June. Read’s lawyers argued she was framed in a law enforcement coverup and have floated an alternate theory that O’Keefe was killed inside the home. The 2025 retrial came after the April 2024 trial was ruled a mistrial due to a hung jury.
She is still facing a pending wrongful death lawsuit from O’Keefe’s family.
We asked readers if they agreed with the casting of Elizabeth Banks as Karen Read. We heard from more than 250 readers who shared their reactions along with alternate casting ideas. A majority of readers (48%) agreed that casting Banks was the right move. As Joann in Andover simply put it: “MA girl.” Another 38% of readers voted “No,” and the remaining 14% either voted “Who?” or “Other.”
Do you agree with the casting of Elizabeth Banks as Karen Read?
Yes, nailed it
48%
No, I don't see it
38%
Who?
7%
Other
6%
Some readers offered other actors they’d like to see in the role, including Anne Hathaway, Annie Murphy, Susie Abromeit, Diane Lane, and Claire Danes.
Carla D. in Belchertown commented, “It is all a tragedy however the story should be told.”
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Here’s what readers had to say:
Yes, nailed it
“Couldn’t have picked [a] better person than Elizabeth Banks for this role. She will bring that Pittsfield grit. Everyone from Pittsfield knows she’s the real deal and we can all testify.” – Matt H., Pittsfield
“Awesome casting! Elizabeth Banks is a fantastic actress as recently seen in ‘The Better Sister.’ Great to see a local as the lead and executive producer!!” – Kevin, Ayer
“My guess is the show cannot match the drama of the actual trial!” – Robert H., Scottsdale, Arizona
“I hope they use some Canton people as extras.” – Steve, Canton
No, I don’t see it
“Claire Danes would have been perfect.” – Marie, Malden
“First off: Chris Evans as John O’Keefe is the most obvious casting choice. Elizabeth Banks is talented, and can certainly handle Karen Read’s Massachusetts regional accent. But based on Amanda Peet’s roles in 2002’s “Igby Goes Down” 2008’s “What Doesn’t Kill You”, Peet as Read. If not Amanda Peet then Lili Taylor. Patti D’Arbanville as Judge Beverly Cannone, Jeremy Renner as blogger Aiden Karney, and a Constance Wu cameo as Mayor Michelle Wu (for John’s funeral procession scene).”– Mia, Dorchester
‘It is all a tragedy’
“Disappointed in Elizabeth Banks for taking the role; Karen was guilty and should be in jail and this case should not be glamorized.” – Isabelle, Somerville
“It is all a tragedy however the story should be told.” – Carla from Belchertown
“I think casting Moe from The Simpsons is more accurate than Elizabeth Banks…..give me a break”– DOC, Stoughton
“I would like to see other choices too. Anne Hathaway resembles KR more than EB.” – Jeff, Medford
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