Ryan Murphy is sounding the alarm ahead of the third season of his hit Netflix anthology, “Monster.” The upcoming installment stars Charlie Hunnam as real-life killer Ed Gein, and is already being described as the series’ most disturbing season yet. According to Murphy, Hunnam’s transformation is “not for the squeamish.”
Ryan Murphy Says That Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein is a Terrifying Transformation
In a new interview on the “This Is Gavin Newsom” podcast, the prolific creator opened up about what viewers can expect when “Monster: Ed Gein” premieres on Netflix in October. From psychological horror to shocking historical accuracy, Murphy says this season will dive into the complex, unsettling life of one of America’s most infamous killers. And Hunnam’s chilling transformation is at the center of it all.
Best known for his rugged charm in “Sons of Anarchy,” Hunnam takes a darker turn as he steps into the role of Ed Gein, also known as the “Butcher of Plainfield.” Murphy revealed that Hunnam’s portrayal goes far beyond prosthetics and costumes.
“This is not for the squeamish,” he warned. “If you think Dahmer was intense, this is something else entirely.”
Gein, a Wisconsin native who was active in the 1950s, inspired generations of horror films with his grotesque crimes, including grave robbing and using human remains to create household items. Though he was only convicted of two murders, what police discovered inside his home — lampshades made of skin, bowls made from skulls — cemented his legacy as one of history’s most disturbing criminals.
Charlie Hunnam’s Turn in ‘Monster’ Is a Story About Mental Health, Not Just Horror
Murphy insists that “Monster: Ed Gein” is about more than shock value. He explained that Gein was a person who was mentally ill, as he was an undiagnosed schizophrenic his entire life. The show aims to explore how Gein’s mental illness went untreated for decades. Murphy emphasized that his focus isn’t on the gore, but rather the psychological complexity.
“So it really is sort of a story about mental health and awareness. I’m not in it for the blood. I’m in it for the question: what made them?” Murphy said, per What’s on Netflix. ‘Was he made or was he born that way?’ I think that that story of Ed Gein is both — he was born that way and made that way.”
Written by frequent Murphy collaborator Ian Brennan and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams, the new season promises to be as thought-provoking as it is chilling.
Ryan Murphy’s ‘Monster’ Season 3—From True Crime to Cultural Influence
Even if you don’t recognize Gein’s name, his crimes likely feel familiar. That’s because they’ve been embedded into pop culture through iconic films like “Psycho,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” Each one of those iconic movies drew inspiration from Gein’s macabre legacy. Murphy is well aware of that connection and is using it to anchor the narrative.
“Monster” has proven to be a powerhouse for Netflix, with the first season “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” racking up over 115 million views in its first 91 days. While season 2, centered on the Menendez brothers, also sparked major discussion, Murphy says season 3 may be the most unsettling yet.
“Monster: Ed Gein” is set to premiere on Netflix in October 2025.
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Charlie Hunnam’s Shocking ‘Monster’ Role Has Ryan Murphy Issuing a Warning