Netflix’s *Monster* Season 3: Charlie Hunnam to Portray Notorious Killer Ed Gein in Horror-Inspired Installment

Netflix's *Monster* series announces its third season, focusing on infamous serial killer Ed Gein, with Charlie Hunnam set to star. The show explores Gein's significant influence on horror cinema, inspiring iconic characters like Norman Bates and Leatherface.
SummaryNetflix’s true-crime anthology series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, is gearing up for its third season. Following the success of its debut season centered on Jeffrey Dahmer and the upcoming second season about Lyle and Erik Menéndez, the show will now focus on 1950s serial killer Ed Gein. Charlie Hunnam has been cast to portray Gein, known for inspiring iconic horror figures such as Norman Bates, Leatherface, and Buffalo Bill. Gein’s gruesome crimes have had a profound impact on horror cinema, and this challenging role will see Hunnam exploring the depths of one of the genre’s most enduring influences.

Netflix’s True-Crime Series “Monster” Unveils Season 3 Plans

Netflix’s acclaimed true-crime anthology, Monster, is set to return with a third season. The show, masterminded by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, initially captivated audiences with its debut season, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which aired in September 2022. It quickly became a sensation, ranking as Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series within a mere 28 days. As anticipation builds for Season 2, titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, which premieres on September 19, the creators have already disclosed details about the forthcoming season.

Season 3’s Intriguing Focus

At a promotional event for the second season, series co-creator Ryan Murphy shared insights into the subject and casting of Monster Season 3. The new installment will center on the notorious 1950s serial killer, Ed Gein. Acclaimed actor Charlie Hunnam, recognized for his portrayal of Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, has been selected to embody this chilling role.

The Profound Influence of Ed Gein on Horror

Gein’s Lasting Impact on Pop Culture

The macabre actions of infamous killers have long intrigued audiences, inspiring a plethora of media, including books, films, documentaries, and TV shows. Among these figures, Ed Gein stands out for his significant impact on popular culture. His heinous crimes have not only been depicted in numerous biographical films but have also fueled the creation of some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror villains.

Gein’s Legacy in Horror Cinema

Gein’s gruesome deeds have served as a creative spark for various films, including 1974’s Deranged and Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses. Notably, he inspired the terrifying characters of Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs.

Every Horror Movie Inspired By Serial Killer Ed Gein

Gein first captured the public’s imagination through Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel Psycho, which was later adapted into Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 cinematic masterpiece. The character of Norman Bates, the deranged motel caretaker, was initially inspired by Gein, marking the beginning of a long tradition of horror films drawing from his horrific acts.

Modern Interpretations of Gein

In more recent years, Gein’s grisly habit of skinning his victims has influenced characters like Zachary Quinto’s Dr. Oliver Thredson in American Horror Story: Asylum. This daunting legacy presents a formidable challenge for Charlie Hunnam, who will portray Gein in the upcoming season. Known for his roles as violent criminals, Hunnam will delve into the psyche of one of horror’s most enduring inspirations as he takes the lead in Monster Season 3.

Source: Variety

Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

    Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer story is another limited crime drama biography series created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, starring Evan Peters in the titular role. This series tells the story of Jeffrey Dahmer from the perspective of surviving victims while exploring the missteps taken by the police that allowed Dahmer to continue his three-decade-long killing spree, leading to the murder of at least seventeen young men. In addition, the show covers the earlier years of Dahmer's life, including the difficult divorce between his parents, his murderous origins back in high school, and his demise in prison.

    Seasons
    1

    Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

      Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a true-crime drama series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The second installment in the "Monster" anthology series, Monsters retells the story of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1996 after two trials with peculiar circumstances.

      Seasons
      1