What role did Laurie Metcalf play in the Netflix series 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story'?

Laurie Metcalf played the role of Ed Gein's mother in the Netflix series 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story'.

What was the director Max Winkler's approach to filming the dark subject matter of the 'Monster' series?

Despite the dark subject matter, Winkler created an upbeat and collaborative environment on set, allowing for improvisation and unexpected creative choices.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Laurie Metcalf Reflects on Nude Scene That Unlocked Ed Gein Character

Laurie Metcalf Reflects on Nude Scene That Unlocked Ed Gein Character

Q: How did a nude scene with Charlie Hunnam help Metcalf understand her character?

The nude scene allowed Metcalf to see Hunnam's character, who played Ed Gein, not as a grown man, but as a child still under her care and supervision, which helped her better understand the mother-son dynamic.

18 Oct

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Summary

Laurie Metcalf plays Ed Gein's mother in Netflix's 'Monster' series
Nude scene with co-star Charlie Hunnam helped Metcalf understand her character
Director Max Winkler created an upbeat, collaborative environment on set

Laurie Metcalf Reflects on Nude Scene That Unlocked Ed Gein Character

In October 2025, actress Laurie Metcalf reflected on how a pivotal nude scene in the Netflix series 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' helped her better understand her character's relationship with the notorious serial killer.

Metcalf, who plays the role of Ed Gein's mother in the show, discussed the importance of filming a scene where her co-star Charlie Hunnam, who portrays Gein, stands in front of her completely naked as she scolds him. The actress explained that this moment allowed her to see Hunnam's character not as a grown man, but as a child still under her care and supervision.

"I'm sitting in that chair looking at a grown man, but I'm lecturing him like he was seven years old," Metcalf said. "I'm not seeing him as a grown man, but seeing him still under my care and under my sick supervision. It's a mother-son teaching experience. It's simplistic, but warped."