
By now you've probably seen Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Vile and Evil (opens in new tab) on Netflix, right? It's the new true crime movie starring a handsome Zac Efron as the conniving and manipulative mass murder, Ted Bundy. The story is based on a memoir (opens in new tab) written by his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall (played by Lily Collins) and depicts Bundy's transition from a charming, doting boyfriend to a nationally-known serial killer.
The film shows a relationship filled with lies, deceit, and incredibly uncomfortable moments— one of them being Bundy's courtroom proposal during his own trial.
In the movie, Efron's Bundy is in the midst of his 1970s Florida trial and acting as his own legal representation, when he approaches his then-girlfriend, Carole Anne Boone (Kaya Scodelario), who's on the witness stand. In front of the judge, prosecutor, jury, and a host of other courtroom officials, he asks her to marry him. She says yes and over the courtroom's gasps and the prosecutor's objection, the judge declares the marriage legitimate. And as wild and dramatized as that sounds, that's exactly what happened.
In fact, Bundy even had a little help pulling the stunt off. Author Stephen Michaud, who visited Bundy many times in prison and wrote Ted Bundy: Conversations With a Killer (opens in new tab) about his experience, admitted to arranging the surprising courtroom proposal with Bundy. In an interview with Inside Edition (opens in new tab), Michaud said that he not only picked out a proper outfit for the day—"I went to a men's store and bought Ted a pair of khakis and a bow tie and some Argyle socks so he could look spiffy for the occasion," he said—but he also went as far as securing wedding rings for Bundy and Boone from none other than Tiffany and Co.
You can watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Vile and Evil (opens in new tab) on Netflix now.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Alexis Jones is an assistant editor at Women's Health where she writes across several verticals on WomensHealthmag.com, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness, while also contributing to the print magazine. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
'Princess Diaries 3' Is Happening, And I Absolutely Won't "Shut Up" About It
What about Anne Hathaway, though?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park