The newest season of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, will premiere on October 3, 2025 on Netflix. This installment stars Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, a notorious murderer whose crimes inspired some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror films. The series explores Gein’s life, his disturbing actions, and the cultural impact that made him a figure of fascination in popular culture.
What Is the Plot of Monster Season 3?
Monster: The Ed Gein Story focuses on the life of Ed Gein, a reclusive man who lived in 1950s rural Wisconsin. Gein was convicted of murder and suspected of grave robbing, using human remains to create household items and clothing. His actions shocked the nation and later served as inspiration for characters in films like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.
The series delves into Gein’s isolation, mental state, and obsessive relationship with his mother, Augusta Gein. It also examines how his crimes influenced the horror genre and true crime storytelling. As the show’s creators note, Gein’s story is not just about the crimes themselves but about how society creates and responds to such figures.
“I wanted to get as close as possible to who Ed was, to do him justice, and for this thing to feel authentic,” Hunnam says about his portrayal. “This is going to be the really human, tender, unflinching, no-holds-barred exploration of who Ed was and what he did.”
Who Is in the Cast?
The cast features several well-known actors, each playing key figures in Gein’s story or those influenced by it. Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Ed Gein, undergoing a physical transformation for the part. Laurie Metcalf plays Augusta Gein, Ed’s mother, whose influence profoundly shaped his life.
Other cast members include Tom Hollander as filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie Psycho drew inspiration from Gein, and Olivia Williams as Alma Reville, Hitchcock’s wife and collaborator. Suzanna Son plays Adeline Watkins, a woman romantically linked to Gein, while Addison Rae appears as Evelyn Hartley, one of Gein’s alleged victims.
The ensemble also includes Lesley Manville as Bernice Worden, Gein’s final victim, and Joey Pollari as actor Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates in Psycho. The cast aims to provide a nuanced look at the real people affected by Gein’s actions and those who reinterpreted his story for audiences.
How Did Charlie Hunnam Prepare for the Role?
Hunnam dedicated significant effort to embodying Ed Gein, both physically and emotionally. He lost nearly 30 pounds to match Gein’s slender frame and studied his mannerisms, voice, and psychological state extensively. Hunnam also worked on adopting a higher-pitched voice to reflect Gein’s desire to please his mother, who reportedly wanted a daughter.
“I lost almost 30 pounds just to get a more malnourished, light frame. Ed was incredibly lithe. And so that was a big part of the physicality,” Hunnam explains. “I spent a lot of time thinking about where his energy was, that he’s not particularly confident or front-foot type of energy.”
How Is This Season Connected to Previous Seasons?
Monster is an anthology series, meaning each season tells a standalone story centered on a different real-life criminal. The first season focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, played by Evan Peters, and became one of Netflix’s most-watched English-language series. The second season, released in 2024, covered the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who were convicted of killing their parents.
This third season continues the series’ exploration of infamous criminals and their impact on society. Unlike the previous seasons, however, Monster: The Ed Gein Story also examines how Gein’s legacy shaped Hollywood and the horror genre.
Why Is Ed Gein Significant?
Ed Gein, often called the “Butcher of Plainfield,” was a serial killer and grave robber active in the 1950s. He was convicted of two murders but suspected in others, and his home was found filled with objects made from human remains. Gein’s story has been referenced in numerous books, films, and TV shows, making him a lasting figure in popular culture.
His influence is evident in characters like Norman Bates from Psycho, Leatherface from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs. This season of Monster aims to explore not only Gein’s crimes but also why his story continues to captivate audiences.
What Can Viewers Expect from the Series?
The series promises to be a detailed and unflinching look at Gein’s life, with a focus on his psychology and the societal factors that contributed to his actions. The show also incorporates elements of Hollywood history, featuring characters like Alfred Hitchcock and Anthony Perkins to illustrate Gein’s cultural impact.
The trailer released by Netflix offers a glimpse into the dark tone of the series, showing Hunnam as Gein engaging in chilling acts and breaking the fourth wall to challenge viewers’ fascination with true crime. The series consists of eight episodes, all directed by Max Winkler and Ian Brennan, with Brennan serving as the primary writer.
When and Where Can You Watch It?
Monster: The Ed Gein Story will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 3, 2025. All episodes will be released at once, allowing viewers to watch the entire season in one sitting. The series is part of Netflix’s lineup for spooky season, making it a timely release for fans of horror and true crime.
Credits: Netflix Tudum, Variety, TV Line
