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."

The 'Monster' series, which is the third installment in the franchise after exploring the stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, aims to highlight how Gein's troubled relationship with his mother impacted his psychology. While Metcalf believes her character is partially to blame, she also acknowledges the complex nature of nature versus nurture in shaping the serial killer's actions.

Despite the dark subject matter, director Max Winkler, who helmed six of the miniseries' eight episodes, managed to cultivate an upbeat and collaborative environment on set. Metcalf praised Winkler's openness to improvisation and unexpected creative choices, noting that "the job itself was a wonderful set to be on, despite how dark it is."