Charlie Hunnam, known for his roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “Pacific Rim,” is set to play the infamous serial killer Ed Gein in the third season of Netflix’s “Monster” series. The news was revealed by Ryan Murphy, co-creator of the show, during a promotional event for “Monster” Season 2.
The series has already seen massive success with its first two seasons, which focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and Lyle and Erik Menendez respectively. The first season, “DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” was a huge hit for Netflix, earning 13 Emmy nominations and one win for Niecy Nash-Betts in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series category. The second season, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” is set to premiere on Netflix on September 19.
Ed Gein, also known as the “Butcher of Plainfield,” was a notorious serial killer who committed his crimes in the 1940s and 1950s in Plainfield, Wisconsin. He was known for robbing graves and making keepsakes and furniture from human bones and skin, even wearing the skin of his victims. Gein’s gruesome acts have inspired numerous fictional killers in pop culture, including Norman Bates in Psycho and Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs.
Hunnam will be joining a cast of stars for the third season. While the full cast has not been revealed, it is expected to feature a number of talented actors. The third season of “Monster” is expected to begin production in October.
The Impact of Ed Gein
Ed Gein’s story has captivated audiences for decades, serving as inspiration for numerous horror films and novels. His crimes, both heinous and bizarre, continue to fascinate and terrify, highlighting the dark depths of human nature. Gein’s impact on popular culture can be seen in the following examples:
Norman Bates
Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film “Psycho” features Norman Bates, a motel owner with a disturbed personality who dresses in his mother’s clothes and kills his victims. Norman’s character is directly inspired by Ed Gein, and the film’s influence on the horror genre is undeniable.
Leatherface
The character of Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding killer from Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” is another example of Ed Gein’s impact on popular culture. Leatherface’s gruesome acts of violence and his use of human skin to create masks and other objects are eerily similar to Gein’s crimes.
Buffalo Bill
The chilling character of Buffalo Bill, the serial killer from Jonathan Demme’s 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs,” is also inspired by Ed Gein. Buffalo Bill’s obsession with creating a “woman suit” from the skin of his victims is a direct reference to Gein’s own crimes.
A Controversial Figure
Ed Gein’s legacy is a complex and controversial one. While his crimes are undeniably horrific, his story has also served as a source of fascination and inspiration for artists and writers for decades. Gein’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, but it’s important to remember that his actions were rooted in real-life violence and suffering. The “Monster” series will undoubtedly explore the complexities of Gein’s story, highlighting both the horror of his crimes and the impact he had on the world. The show will delve into his psyche, motives, and the factors that led him to commit such heinous acts.
A Haunting Legacy
The third season of “Monster,” with Charlie Hunnam’s portrayal of Ed Gein, promises to be a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in American history. It’s a reminder that true crime stories can be both fascinating and disturbing, highlighting the depths of human depravity and the enduring power of these tales.
With the release of “Monster” Season 3, audiences will once again be confronted with the unsettling legacy of Ed Gein. The series will undoubtedly spark conversation and debate about the nature of evil, the impact of trauma, and the dark side of human nature.
