Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology series Monster has announced key casting for its upcoming season. Charlie Hunnam will star as infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Laurie Metcalf is set to play Gein’s mother.
The new season will also feature Tom Hollander as director Alfred Hitchcock. Olivia Williams will portray Hitchcock’s wife, Alma Reville. This expansion suggests a broader narrative scope for the series.
Monster has become known for tackling some of the most infamous real-life crime cases. It has also generated significant controversy since its 2022 debut.
The first season focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, with Evan Peters in the lead role. It faced criticism from the families of Dahmer’s victims, who stated they were not consulted on the series.
Peters earned a Golden Globe award and an Emmy nomination for his portrayal. He later discussed the mental impact of taking on such a dark character. "I’m going to take a break from dark roles and explore the light," Peters told Variety in December 2022.
He expressed interest in "something a bit closer, more everyday" and exploring "details of those kinds of experiences." Peters explained that he "brought a lot of darkness and negativity" into the role. He looked forward to "bringing joy and lightness" back into his life after filming.
Season two, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, also sparked backlash. Erik Menéndez criticized Murphy’s depiction of him and his brother.
Murphy defended the series, however. He claimed Monsters reinvigorated public interest in the Menéndez case. This renewed attention ultimately led the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office to order a new hearing for the brothers.
The series continues its run, drawing attention for its dramatic storytelling and its controversial approach to real-life tragedy. The new casting signals another high-profile entry into the popular franchise.