Netflix Dives Deep into the Twisted Mind of Serial Killer Ed Gein

On November 10, 2025, Netflix held a "For Your Consideration" event to showcase its latest season of the "Monster" anthology series, which this time focused on the notorious 1950s serial killer Ed Gein. The show's co-creator Ian Brennan and the creative team, along with lead actor Charlie Hunnam, discussed their approach to exploring Gein's twisted story.

Brennan explained that the "Monster" series is not just about serial killers, as "most murders and murderers are not interesting enough to spend 10 hours inside their head." The challenge, he said, is finding the right subject who can provide a compelling narrative. In Gein's case, his story had long been on the mind of co-creator Ryan Murphy, especially after the previous season's focus on Jeffrey Dahmer, who was obsessed with Gein.

Hunnam, who was Murphy's first choice to play Gein, admitted he was initially "tricked" into taking on the role. Director Max Winkler revealed that the series aimed to delve into the "generational trauma and abuse" that shaped Gein, rather than simply sensationalizing his heinous acts. Brennan also noted the relevance of the story to the present day, as "the mixture of mental illness and male isolation equals danger, and it's just everywhere."

The "Monster" series has previously explored the Menendez Brothers and Dahmer, but the team behind the latest season believes Gein's story is worth telling "honestly and with compassion," providing a deeper understanding of what turns a human being into a monster.