Netflix’s captivating true crime anthology series, Monster, is all set to return with its third season, featuring none other than Charlie Hunnam in the chilling role of the infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Ryan Murphy, the series co-creator, confirmed this casting choice during a promotional event for Monster Season 2, in Los Angeles. For those unfamiliar, Hunnam is best known for his role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy and has also starred in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, The Gentlemen, and the Rebel Moon franchise. As we brace ourselves for the dark, unsettling tales of Monster Season 3, here’s what you need to know.
The Notorious Edgar “Ed” Gein
Ed Gein, ominously dubbed the Butcher of Plainfield or the Plainfield Ghoul, was a figure who struck terror in the hearts of many in the 1950s. He lived in Plainfield, Wisconsin, where he committed grisly acts that would later inspire horror classics. In 1957, law enforcement discovered that Gein had exhumed human remains from local graves. More horrifically, he repurposed these remains to craft household items and clothing. Among his known victims were tavern owner Mary Hogan and hardware store proprietor Bernice Worden. Although Gein confessed to these murders, his grim tally might not end there; he was a suspect in several other unsolved cases in Wisconsin.
Legal proceedings revealed Gein’s disturbed mental state. After being found guilty of Worden’s murder, he was declared insane and spent the remainder of his life in a mental institution. Gein died in 1984 at the Mendota Mental Health Institute, leaving behind a legacy of terror that continues to fascinate and horrify.
Cast and Crew Updates
Ryan Murphy’s decision to cast Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the third season of Monster. Hunnam’s acting chops, evident from his performances in Sons of Anarchy and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, suggest that he’ll bring a nuanced and unsettling portrayal to this infamous character. As fans eagerly await Season 3, Murphy’s reveal also ramps up the anticipation for Season 2, subtitled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which is set to premiere on Netflix on September 19, 2024.
Evolution of the Series
Monster debuted on Netflix on September 21, 2022, as Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Initially intended to be a limited series, its popularity prompted Netflix to transform it into an anthology series. The first season dived deep into the life of Jeffrey Dahmer, with Evan Peters delivering a spine-chilling performance. The upcoming second season shifts focus to Lyle and Erik Menendez, the notorious siblings who infamously murdered their parents, adding yet another macabre chapter to this anthology.
Closing Credits
As the saga of Monster continues, fans have much to look forward to. Charlie Hunnam’s role as Ed Gein in Season 3 promises another deep dive into the twisted psyche of one of America’s most notorious criminals. With Season 2 airing on September 19, 2024, viewers can expect Monster to keep them on the edge of their seats, blending true crime with gripping drama. Keep your calendar marked and your Netflix subscription active.
