Netflix’s hit serial true-crime anthology show,Monster,has announced its plans for season 3. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, season 1 was titledDahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Storyand premiered in September 2022. Following its original release,Monsterseason 1 quickly amassed massive viewership numbers and would even become Netflix’s second most-watched English language series within 28 days. Season 2, dubbedMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story,is slated to make its own streaming debut on September 19.
With season 2’s release just days away, series co-creator Murphy (viaVariety) has revealed thatMonsterseason 3 has selected its new subject and leading star. Speaking at a promotional event forMonsterseason 2, Murphy announced thatseason 3 will focus on the infamous 1950s serial killer Ed Gein. Additionally, he revealed thatCharlie Hunnam, best known for his role as Jax Teller inSons of Anarchy, has been selected to play Gein.
Monster’s Latest Subject Helped Shape The Horror Genre
Ed Gein Has Helped Inspire Some Of Hollywood’s Best Known Villains
Audiences have long been fascinated by the actions of some of the world’s most notorious killers. Over the years, countless books, movies, documentaries, and television shows have been inspired by the likes of famous murderers such as Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Ted Bundy. However,few serial killers can boast the same kind of impact on pop culture asMonsterseason 3’s latest subject. Not only have Gein’s crimes already been the subject of multiple biographical movies, but they would also be the primary inspiration behind some of Hollywood’s most famous horror villains.
In addition to inspiring such movies as 1974’sDerangedand Rob Zombie’sHouse of 1000 Corpses, Gein was also a major inspiration behindThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre’sLeatherface andThe Silence of the Lambs’Buffalo Bill.
First coming to public attention thanks to Robert Bloch’s 1959 novelPsychoand Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 movie adaptation of the same name,Gein was the initial inspiration behind thepsychotic motel caretaker Norman Bates. However,Psychowould only be the start ofa long list of horror movies that drew on certain aspects of Gein’s abhorrent crimes. In addition to inspiring such movies as 1974’sDerangedand Rob Zombie’sHouse of 1000 Corpses, Gein was also a major inspiration behindThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre’sLeatherface andThe Silence of the Lambs’Buffalo Bill.
Every Horror Movie Inspired By Serial Killer Ed Gein
Ed Gein, a serial killer who was infamous for making skin suits out of his victims, has been the inspiration for more horror movies than anyone else.
More recently, Gein’s predilection for collecting the skin of his victims and other exhumed corpses also inspired Zachary Quinto’s Dr. Oliver Thredson inAmerican Horror Story: Asylum. With this kind of history in mind, the task of playing of Ed Gein will likely be a challenging role for Hunnam. While he is no stranger to playing violent criminals, Gein’s actions have become an enduring template for some of horror’s most frightening fictional characters. It will be interesting to see what theSons of Anarchystar brings to the role as he steps in to leadMonsterseason 3.
Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Cast
Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is a limited series exploring the chilling true crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. Released in 2022, it delves into the systemic failings that allowed the infamous serial killer’s activities to remain unchecked for years, resulting in multiple murders.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
This true crime drama delves into the infamous case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents. The series examines the complex family dynamics and legal battles that captivated the nation, highlighting the motivations and repercussions of their actions.
