Netflix unveils creepy Ed Gein story with Charlie Hunnam

In a significant development in the realm of true crime drama, Netflix is set to release a new series featuring Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein. Gein was an infamous serial killer whose gruesome activities in Wisconsin inspired several classic horror films, including Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The show, titled Monster: The Ed Gein Story, has attracted attention due to its unsettling themes and disturbing visuals, reflected in the recently released trailer on September 15, 2025. This new series is a follow-up to Ryan Murphy's previous work on the Dahmer series, which ranked high in viewership on Netflix. The approach taken in the series has raised discussions regarding the portrayal of historical killers in popular media. Gein's life involved at least two known murders, and he was suspected in the deaths of several others, as well as grave robbing activities. His infamous behaviors included the dismemberment of corpses and the creation of items from human remains, which added to his notoriety, making his story quite controversial for adaptation into a modern scripted series. While Netflix's platform aims to highlight darker aspects of humanity through such narratives, critics often question the ethical implications of sensationalizing real-life tragedies. With the imminent release date set for October 1, there is anticipation around the audience's reaction to Hunnam's portrayal of the notorious figure. Hunnam himself stated that he underwent significant physical changes for the role, aiming to capture Gein's lack of confidence and dark energy. The supporting cast includes Laurie Metcalf and Tom Hollander, further building excitement for this chilling retelling. However, the show is not without its potential controversies; Netflix previously faced backlash regarding the portrayal of crime and victims in their programming, raising expectations around how Monster will be received. As Monster hits the screens, viewers will navigate the fine line between horror entertainment and respectful recounting of historical events. With modern storytelling techniques and a focus on psychological depth, the series aims to explore deeper themes beyond mere shock value. How audiences react to this depiction of Ed Gein, a complex figure whose life inspired countless horror narratives, remains to be seen. Yet, it reflects the ongoing trend of exploring horror in relation to real-life horrors, confirming the genre's continued evolution on streaming platforms.