Charlie Hunnam has taken on a chilling new role that contrasts sharply with his past characters: in Season 3 of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix anthology seriesMonster, he portrays reallife grave robber and killer Ed Gein. Known for his gritty but charismatic performances most notably in *Sons of Anarchy* Hunnam now steps into the dark shoes of the Butcher of Plainfield, offering viewers a haunting exploration of one of America’s most infamous criminals.
Who Was Ed Gein?
Ed Gein was an American criminal active in the 1950s who became infamous not only for two confirmed murders but for exhuming corpses from local cemeteries and creating household items from human remains. His horrifying crimes inspired horror icons such as Norman Bates (*Psycho*), Leatherface (*Texas Chainsaw Massacre*), and Buffalo Bill (*The Silence of the Lambs*). Gein was apprehended in 1957 and spent the rest of his life institutionalized until his death in 1984.
Charlie Hunnam Joins *Monster* Season 3
A Dark Turn in His Career
In September 2024, it was announced that Charlie Hunnam will play Ed Gein in *Monster: The Original Monster*, the third installment of Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed true-crime anthology on Netflix. Following the success of previous seasons on Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, this season delves into how Gein became America’s first celebrity serial killer, examining both his crimes and the cultural impact.
Supporting Cast Highlights
- Laurie Metcalfwill portray Augusta Gein, Ed’s controlling, puritanical mother.
- Tom Hollandertakes on the role of Alfred Hitchcock, exploring the connection between Gein’s crimes and *Psycho*.
- Olivia Williamsplays Alma Reville, Hitchcock’s wife and collaborator.
- Addison Raeappears as Evelyn Hartley, a fictional teenager who goes missing, adding to the season’s suspense.
- Suzanna Sonand Tom Hollander round out the primary ensemble.
Filming and Production Details
Production for Season 3 began in October 2024, with filming occurring in locations such as Chicago. Directed by Carl Franklin and produced by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, filming wrapped in early 2025.
The series has yet to confirm an official release date, but it is expected to arrive in late 2025.
Anticipation and Controversy
Mixed Reactions to Casting
Charlie Hunnam’s casting as Gein sparked debate. Critics argue that his conventional attractiveness risks glamorizing a brutal killer. Others feel his height and look differ from the real Gein a reserved man of average stature and question whether he can capture Gein’s aura.
True Crime Ethics Under Scrutiny
Following criticism over the sensitive portrayal of real crimes, including those in *Monster: Dahmer*, some public voices say the series may romanticize serial killers. Advocates caution that high-profile depictions risk overshadowing victims’ experiences with sensationalism.
Why This Season Matters
Exploring True Crime Influence
*Monster* Season 3 aims to explore not only Gein’s crimes but also how they influenced horror culture, from Hitchcock’s *Psycho* to *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* and beyond. Including Hitchcock and Reville suggests the series will examine how true crime permeates fiction.
A Chilling Real-Life Story
The show will navigate the depths of Gein’s tragic upbringing and grisly acts grave robbing, murder, necrophilia, and crafting items from human remains. The narrative is positioned as an exploration of trauma and cultural obsession with violence.
Charlie Hunnam’s portrayal of Ed Gein brings a compelling juxtaposition: a charismatic actor enacting a deeply disturbing figure. *Monster: The Original Monster* Season 3 promises to explore the man behind the legend, the cultural ripples of his crimes, and the tension between story and sensationalism. With a high-profile supporting cast, ethical debate in tow, and a production pedigree behind it, the season is poised to be one of the most anticipated and provocative of the anthology series. Whether Hunnam’s performance meets expectations or sparks further controversy remains to be seen but it ensures viewers will be watching closely.