Monster: The Ed Gein Story is set to premiere on Netflix on October 3, 2025. After a period of anticipation, the third chapter of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Emmy-winning Monster anthology is finally on its way this autumn. Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Ed Gein, one of the most infamous murderers in American history. His chilling offenses shocked the residents of rural Wisconsin in the 1950s and inspired a number of legendary horror films (source: Netflix Tudum).
Netflix has unveiled teaser posters that showcase Gein’s unsettling impact on classic horror films such as Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Since its premiere, the Monster series has proven to be a significant hit on streaming platforms. The first season, titled Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, earned Evan Peters a Primetime Emmy Award, while the second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, concentrated on the notorious brothers who killed their parents.
This series revolves around Ed Gein, a serial murderer and grave robber known for his psychologically disturbing behavior. Living in rural Wisconsin during the 1950s, Gein appeared to be an ordinary recluse until law enforcement uncovered the gruesome secrets hidden within his home. His shocking murders, grave robbing, and body dismemberment led to the discovery of a house filled with unimaginable horrors.
Gein’s fixation on his deceased mother and his subsequent spiral into madness made him a real-life prototype for many fictional killers. The production delves into how Gein’s actions transformed American horror storytelling and reveals the psychological motivations behind his crimes. The official synopsis states:
“Fueled by isolation, madness, and an overwhelming obsession with his mother, Gein’s grotesque deeds give rise to a new kind of Monster that haunts Hollywood for years to come.”
This true-crime anthology assesses how an unremarkable individual from Plainfield morphed into a cultural icon of terror and the societal factors that contributed to his monstrosity.
Charlie Hunnam, known for his role in Sons of Anarchy, portrays Ed Gein. Laurie Metcalf, celebrated for her work in Lady Bird, plays Augusta Gein, Ed’s mother, whose role is pivotal to the narrative. Suzanna Son from Red Rocket portrays Adeline Watkins, a fictional character linked to Gein’s malevolent world.
The diverse cast also includes Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock, Olivia Williams as Alma Reville, Vicky Krieps as Ilse Koch, Lesley Manville as Bernice Worden, and Joey Pollari as Anthony Perkins. Supporting roles are filled by Tyler Jacob Moore as Sheriff Schley, Mimi Kennedy as Dr. Mildred Newman, Charlie Hall as Deputy Worden, Will Brill as Tobe Hooper, and Robin Weigert as Enid Watkins.
Producers of the series include Murphy, Brennan, Hunnam, Max Winkler, Eric Kovtun, Nissa Diederich, Scott Robertson, Louise Shore, and Carl Franklin. Brennan is responsible for writing and directing two episodes, while Winkler directs the other six (source: Variety).
In addition to Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Netflix has already approved a fourth season focused on Lizzie Borden, with Ella Beatty stepping into the role of the notorious Massachusetts woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892.
As Monster: The Ed Gein Story gears up for its fall release, it is evident that Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan continue to explore new dimensions within the true-crime genre.
