Charlie Hunnam Portrays Infamous Killer Ed Gein in Netflix’s ‘Monster’

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Charlie Hunnam stars in the new Netflix series ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story,’ exploring the twisted life of infamous killer Ed Gein. The show premieres on October 3 and delves into Gein’s gruesome crimes and their lasting impact on pop culture.

Set against the backdrop of rural Wisconsin, Gein, known for murder and grave-robbing, haunted America in the 1950s. In his portrayal of Gein, Hunnam aims to uncover the complex humanity behind the notorious killer. “I wanted to find the human in there,” Hunnam said, emphasizing the need for empathy when interpreting such a grotesque figure.

Gein’s story includes the tragic loss of his mother, Augusta, whose abusive influence shaped his psyche. After her death in 1945, Gein’s mental state deteriorated, leading to his heinous actions. “His relationship with his mother is key to understanding his crimes,” said Max Winkler, director of several episodes. Hunnam added, “You have to have an enormous amount of love and empathy for a character that you play to be able to inhabit them.”

The series draws from a combination of historical research and speculative storytelling. Winkler revealed that tracking down an obscure audio tape of Gein helped inform Hunnam’s unique vocal choices for the character. The tape, recorded during Gein’s arrest, revealed a mix of childlike innocence and darker undertones.

Gein’s crimes, including the murder of sales clerk Bernice Worden, shocked the small community of Plainfield, Wisconsin. Authorities discovered a house filled with grotesque trophies made from body parts, cementing Gein’s legacy as a serial killer who inspired films like ‘Psycho‘ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’

This season of ‘Monster’ explores not only Gein’s gruesome past but also the cultural reactions to his story. Gein’s case continues to captivate audiences, with many still unaware of the man behind the myth. Hunnam’s performance is poised to provide a deeper understanding of a misunderstood figure in American criminal history.

The production showcases Hunnam’s commitment to authenticity, pushing him into mental and emotional depths rarely explored in his previous roles. “It was a career-peak moment,” Hunnam described, reflecting on the immersive and challenging process that shaped his performance. As he embarks on this new role, anticipation builds for how audiences will react to this disturbing yet compelling narrative.