Courtney Stodden Biopic Among Lifetime’s New “Ripped From the Headlines” Films Set for September

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Lifetime will tear through three “Ripped From the Headlines” films this September.

The network has scheduled successive premieres for Saturdays in September for the following shows: “A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story” featuring Keana Lyn Bastidas, John McLaren, and Marilu Henner on the 13th; “The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson” starring Sam Trammel, Ashley Jones, Brielle Robillard, and Steve Byers on the 20th; and “I Was a Child Bride: the Courtney Stodden Story” with Holly Barrett in the role of Stodden, Doug Savant as her husband Doug Hutchinson, and Maggie Lawson portraying Stodden’s mother, Krista, on the 27th.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve just received confirmation about the intriguing details of the three upcoming games that drew inspiration from real-life stories.

A HUSBAND TO DIE FOR: THE LISA AGUILAR STORY

Title character Bastidas portrays the bright and loving newlywed Lisa Aguilar in “A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story.” Married to Darren, played by McLaren, who dreams of being a professional golfer, their lives appear idyllic until Lisa uncovers Darren’s concealed double life. Tragically attacked at home and left for dead, Lisa gradually pieces together a terrifying truth: the man she trusted may be her attacker. With support from her grandmother (Henner), parents, and legal team, Lisa embarks on a quest to safeguard her unborn child and seek justice.

David Weaver, known for “Girl in the Attic,” took charge of directing based on a script by Walter Klenhard from the “Garage Sale Mystery” series. The production of “A Husband to Die For” was jointly handled by 1Department Entertainment, Lighthouse Pictures, and Wishing Floor Films. Jameson Parker and Gemma Martini acted as executive producers for Lighthouse Pictures, while Danielle von Zerneck held the same position for Wishing Floor Films.

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David Weaver, best known for “Girl in the Attic,” was in charge of directing from a script by Walter Klenhard, who is famous for the “Garage Sale Mystery” series. The production company 1Department Entertainment collaborated with Lighthouse Pictures and Wishing Floor Films to produce “A Husband to Die For.” Jameson Parker and Gemma Martini served as executive producers for Lighthouse Pictures, while Danielle von Zerneck was the executive producer for Wishing Floor Films.

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David Weaver (known for “Girl in the Attic”) was the director, working from a script by Walter Klenhard (known for the “Garage Sale Mystery” series). The movie “A Husband to Die For” was produced jointly by 1Department Entertainment, Lighthouse Pictures, and Wishing Floor Films. Jameson Parker and Gemma Martini served as executive producers from Lighthouse Pictures, while Danielle von Zerneck was the executive producer from Wishing Floor Films.

Bastidas, McLaren, and Henner have all appeared in various productions. Bastidas is recognized from the classic series “The Hardy Boys”, McLaren from “When Hope Calls”, and Henner from numerous films and television shows, but they are particularly well-known for their roles in “Taxi”.

THE GIRL WHO SURVIVED: THE ALINA THOMPSON STORY

In “The Girl Who Survived,” Robillard portrays the 15-year-old protagonist, an aspiring model in ’80s Los Angeles who tragically finds herself in the killer’s crossfire of a dangerous serial murderer. Pretending to her parents, played by Trammell and Jones, she secretly attends an amateur modeling audition where she encounters a photographer named William Bradford, portrayed by Byers. Unaware of this, Alina is unknowingly targeted by William, who is using his charm to lead aspiring young women to isolated photo sessions that conclude in harm. After their encounter, Bradford marks Alina as his next target. However, due to a chain of unexpected events – fitting the story’s title – Alina miraculously escapes unscathed.

Michelle Ouellet (Christmas in the Spotlight) took charge of directing, based on a script by Christine Conradt (Pearl in Paradise, Open by Christmas). The Girl Who Survived was produced by Steve Boisvert and Brendan McNeill, in collaboration with Studio TF1 America, for Lifetime. Pierre David, Tîm Johnson, Meghan Hooper White, and Jones acted as executive producers.

Robillard has been spotted in “Endlings, The Lake” and “The Holiday Shift”. Jones boasts a lengthy resume with appearances on “The Bold and the Beautiful”, “General Hospital”, “All Rise”, “True Blood”, and “Major Crimes”. Trammell is also an experienced actor whose roles include “True Blood”, “Homeland”, “The Order”, “Generation”, “Reckoning” and “This is Us”. Byers’ acting credits encompass “Slasher”, “Glow & Darkness”, “Supergirl”, “Reign”, “The Man in High Castle”, “Smallville” and “Wild Roses”.

I WAS A CHILD BRIDE: THE COURTNEY STODDEN STORY

This project belongs to Lifetime’s “I Was / I Am” series, which focuses on women retelling their stories. The movie, titled “I Was a Child Bride“, portrays the contentious tale of Stodden (played by Barrett), who was 16 when she married Hutchinson (portrayed by Savant), a 51-year-old actor. This shocking union generated intense media attention and public interest. Pushed by her mother Krista, played by Lawson, Courtney found herself in the spotlight.

The biopic, narrated directly by Stodden herself, offers a deeply personal account of her controversial and emotionally complex journey. This isn’t a tale spun from the headlines of celebrity magazines, but rather a story that highlights Stodden’s resilience and survival in the face of adversity as a young girl growing up under intense public scrutiny, whose voice was nearly silenced. It also delves into the themes of childhood exploitation, trauma, and transformation. (Lifetime Network)

In the role of director, experienced professional D’Angela Procter (of ‘Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story’) worked from a screenplay penned by Kim Barker. The production company MGM Alternative, in collaboration with Safier Entertainment, took charge of this project for Lifetime. Jared Safier, Barry Poznick, Kitty Gambel, and Stodden served as executive producers on this venture.

Barrett is well-recognized for her extensive stint on the popular show “Life in Pieces.” You might also know her from appearances on “Suits,” “American Housewife,” “Young Sheldon,” and “Chicago Med.” Savant, a seasoned actor, gained fame through his roles in “Melrose Place” and “Desperate Housewives.” Lawson boasts an impressive resume with credits such as “Psych,” “It’s All Relative,” “Back in the Game,” “Two and a Half Men,” “The Ranch,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Santa Clarita Diet,” and most recently, “Outmatched.

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2025-07-14 22:55