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Netflix Series ‘Monster’ Explores Ed Gein’s Life with Charlie Hunnam at the Centre of Intense Public and Critical Scrutiny By BBC News Culture Correspondent The premiere of the third instalment of Netflix's popular true crime anthology, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, has initiated a renewed public discussion surrounding the ethics of dramatising historical trauma. Starring British actor Charlie Hunnam in the titular role, the series, which dropped on 3 October 2025, focuses on the life and crimes of Edward "Ed" Gein, the infamous Wisconsin murderer and grave robber whose gruesome acts in the 1950s served as the foundational inspiration for countless horror staples, including Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The production has drawn attention not only for its dark subject matter but also for the intensity of Hunnam’s physical and psychological preparation, along with the creative liberties taken by the show’s creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Ed Gein, often dubbed the ‘Plainfield Ghoul’, confessed to the murders of two women, Bernice Worden and Mary Hogan, but his legacy stems primarily from the macabre discoveries authorities made at his farm in 1957, including furniture and clothing crafted from human remains. This historical context positioned the new series to examine a figure who, as Netflix described, "birthed a new kind of monster that would haunt Hollywood for decades. " Hunnam’s Physical and Psychological Transformation Central to the project’s profile has been the extreme commitment detailed by its lead actor, Charlie Hunnam. The 45-year-old reportedly underwent a significant physical transformation, losing approximately 30 pounds to match Gein’s gaunt appearance. Beyond the physical, Hunnam stated his intention was to delve into the killer’s psychological origins rather than sensationalise the violence.
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Speaking to the press about his motivation for taking on the highly demanding role, Hunnam explained his focus was on understanding the trauma that shaped the man. "We were much more interested in why Ed did what he did, rather than exploring what he did," Hunnam revealed, adding that the team sought "to find the truth in reflecting back this bizarre, tiny, dark corner of the human condition. " The actor noted the profound impact of Gein’s isolating childhood and consuming obsession with his abusive mother, Augusta (portrayed by Laurie Metcalf), informing aspects like the unique high-pitched voice he developed for the character. Max Winkler, the director and co-showrunner, spoke to the demanding nature of Hunnam’s immersive process. "I cannot believe that you put yourself through that," Winkler reportedly commented on seeing Hunnam return to his normal weight and physique after the five-month shoot, underscoring the physical toll the dedication exacted. Fictionalisation and Critical Backlash Despite the acclaim for Hunnam's performance—which some reviewers noted was the series' only compelling element—the season has met with polarised critical reception, primarily due to factual inaccuracies and thematic choices. Critics have raised ethical concerns over the show’s blending of documented history with fictionalised narratives and meta-commentary on true crime culture. One significant point of controversy is the fictionalised portrayal of Gein’s relationship with a real-life acquaintance, Adeline Watkins, and the unsubstantiated suggestion that Gein murdered his brother, Henry George Gein, whose death was historically ruled accidental.
Furthermore, the season includes fictionalised depictions of director Alfred Hitchcock (Tom Hollander) and screenwriter Alma Reville, exploring how Gein’s case inspired their work on Psycho. Writing for The Age, critic Craig Mathieson described the series as "dreadful in enough ways to be repellent rather than mere trash," criticising the choice of Gein as a subject, arguing he "had little personality, zero purpose, and provided no real illumination on his crimes. " Viewer reactions echoed this sentiment, with some social media users calling the inclusion of non-factual events "unethical and exploitative," highlighting the difficulties inherent in adapting true-crime stories for mainstream entertainment. The Aftermath: Hunnam’s Final Farewell The actor’s commitment to the role extended beyond the final take, culminating in an unusual act of closure that has garnered significant media attention. Following the completion of filming in Chicago, Hunnam elected to drive approximately eight hours to Wisconsin to visit Gein's grave. In interviews, Hunnam explained this decision as a necessary step for de-roling and protecting his personal life from the character's darkness. He stated that he spent time at the grave to say "what I wanted to say to him," clarifying that he "hoped we had told his story honestly at the very least, and [I] didn’t invite him to come on the journey with me moving forward. I was ready to say goodbye to him and that be the end.
” This unique detail has intensified the debate about the depth of empathy required when portraying figures of profound evil, and where the line between method and boundary-setting should be drawn for performers. The new season arrives at a time when the true crime genre is under continuous examination. While Netflix’s Monster franchise remains a commercial success, its latest exploration via Monster: The Ed Gein Story highlights the persistent tension between creative license and historical responsibility. The ongoing conversation suggests that while audiences have a significant appetite for dark narratives, the ethical implications of transforming real-world tragedy into entertainment continue to be a source of critical contention. Charlie Hunnam discusses his approach to playing the killer in the new series Charlie Hunnam Talks Playing Ed Gein in 'Monster'. This video provides context on Charlie Hunnam's method and why he felt the need to visit Gein's grave after portraying him in the Netflix series.
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