Elizabeth Banks is reportedly set to play Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her Lexus SUV. The limited series will be developed by Prime Video and Warner Bros Television, with Justin Noble as showrunner.
Banks, a three-time Emmy-nominated actress, producer, writer, and director, is also serving as executive director for the project. This marks a different project from one reported earlier this year, which was being developed by LBI Entertainment and would have featured Read and her defense attorney Alan Jackson.
Read was arrested in 2022 and charged with O’Keefe’s death, which prosecutors alleged occurred after a night of heavy drinking. She claimed she was being framed as part of a cover-up involving several people, including law enforcement. The case drew nationwide attention and sparked debate over police accountability.
After two trials, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges in June 2025, but found guilty of operating under the influence. She received one year of probation.
The limited series will provide a new perspective on the highly publicized case, with Banks’ involvement adding depth to the story.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/elizabeth-banks-karen-read-series