Elizabeth Olsen to star as killer housewife in ITVX drama

Elizabeth Olsen is to star as a murdering housewife in a new drama for ITVX.

The American actress, 34, is best known for her roles in hit Disney+ series 'WandaVision' as well as various MCU projects, but she is now set to play the part of Candy Montgomery - who was charged with the murder of her lover's wife in 1980, but was acquitted - in 'Love and Death'.

Elizabeth said: "I have to defend any character I play, but with this story, there was the added challenge of knowing the effect these events have had on so many people’s lives.

"But I almost have to cut that part of my brain off because, while we are telling a true story, we’re still telling a creative story.

"We have to take certain licences because these people weren’t famous; we don’t know, say, their speech patterns or other personal details. There’s a lot of room for invention."

Elizabeth will be joined in the cast by Jesse Plemons - who plays the part of Candy's lover and fellow church member - as well as Patrick Fugit as her husband Pat, and Lily Rabe as his wife Betty.

The seven-part series has been written by David E. Kelley - who is known for having created Calista Flockhart's hit legal drama series 'Ally McBeal' as well as 'The Practice' - and he explained that while he felt as if he knew some of the characters, he had no idea of what some of them would turn into.

He said: "When I consider doing any series, the first question I ask is 'Why?' And if the story has a strong plot with characters that can entertain and provoke - those are good jumping-off points.

"And all of that was in these characters. I could relate to them. I grew up in a small town too. I've been to those churches, I've seen people singing in choirs and socialising at picnics. I felt as if I knew them.

"At the same time, I didn't know what some of them, especially Candy, were capable of becoming."

'Love and Death' airs on ITVX from September 7.