Monster Season 3: Release date, Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, plot, & more About Ryan Murphy’s Anthology Series

The acclaimed Ryan Murphy true crime anthology series Monster is set to make a chilling return with its third season, diving into the unsettling legacy of serial killer Ed Gein. Following the success of the recent Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the announcement that Charlie Hunnam will portray Gein has generated considerable excitement.

Known as the "original celebrity serial killer," Gein's life and crimes have inspired countless horror films, including Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, making him an intriguing subject for Murphy's creative exploration.

The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into Gein's dark and twisted narrative, examining how his gruesome actions have become woven into the fabric of pop culture. Alongside Hunnam, notable talents like Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams will portray significant characters from Gein's life, hinting at a gripping and multifaceted storytelling approach.

With production set to commence soon, fans are eager for more details about Monster season three. This article will explore the latest updates, plot details, and what to expect as the series continues to push the boundaries of true crime storytelling. Stay tuned for thrilling revelations as we uncover the chilling mysteries that await viewers!

Release date & Where to Watch

Filming for the next season of Monster is set to begin on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2024, suggesting that it may premiere on Netflix in late 2025 or early 2026. 

How to Stream Monster Season 3 Online from Anywhere

You can stream Monster season three on Netflix if you're in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and several other regions. However, if you're traveling outside these areas, geo-restrictions might limit your access to the show. Fortunately, you can easily navigate these barriers with a reliable VPN, allowing you to enjoy Monster season three from virtually anywhere in the world.

For a seamless streaming experience, choosing the best streaming VPN is crucial. NordVPN is a top choice, renowned for its impressive connection speeds that ensure smooth streaming without interruptions. Its extensive network of servers across the globe provides quick access from nearly any location. Plus, NordVPN prioritizes your security by employing cutting-edge encryption technologies, keeping your online activities private and secure.

Plot

Season three of Monster will dive into the life of notorious criminal Ed Gein, known as the “Butcher of Plainfield” and “Plainfield Ghoul.” This season will examine Gein’s shocking legacy as a murderer and grave robber who horrified 1950s America with his gruesome practice of turning human remains into household items. 

Born in Wisconsin and raised in a strict household dominated by his overbearing mother, Gein’s disturbing actions after her death—exhuming bodies from nearby cemeteries and murdering two women, Bernice Worden and Mary Hogan—made him infamous. His chilling “house of horrors” inspired iconic fictional characters, such as Psycho’s Norman Bates, Silence of the Lambs’ Buffalo Bill, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Leatherface.

The show is set to explore Gein’s influence on true crime fascination, with Alfred Hitchcock included as a character, highlighting the quick cultural impact of Gein’s crimes. Hitchcock’s Psycho, based on a novel inspired by Gein, was released only three years after Gein’s 1957 arrest. 

Known for his impact on the genre, creator Ryan Murphy aims to unpack how Hollywood shaped the public’s fascination with Gein, promising another intense season that balances psychological depth with grim historical detail. 

Charlie Hunnam will take on the role of Gein, continuing Monster’s tradition of examining the complex minds of infamous criminals while exploring the darker side of society's interest in true crime.

Cast

• Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) as Ed Gein
• Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne) as Augusta Gein
• Tom Hollander (The Night Manager) as Alfred Hitchcock
• Olivia Williams (Counterpart) as Alma Reville

Is There a Trailer for Monster Season 3?

It’s still too soon for a trailer, but as soon as one is released, we’ll update this page immediately.

What is the Title for Monster Season 3?

In an interview with Collider, Murphy confirmed that Monster season three will be titled The Original Monster, referring to Gein, whose disturbing crimes sparked society’s fascination with serial killers. Murphy explained the theme, noting how Gein became a "celebrity" of sorts from the moment he was arrested, a figure so shocking he inspired a wide range of horror classics. Season three will delve into how Gein’s crimes shaped pop culture and explore the origins of the public's enduring interest in true crime.

What was Monster Season 1 & 2 About?

The first season of Monster, titled DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, stars Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer and Niecy Nash as Glenda Cleveland. It explores the chilling life and crimes of Dahmer, one of America's most notorious serial killers, whose actions shocked the nation. This debut season became a major hit, reaching one billion viewing hours within its first 60 days and cementing its place as the third most-watched English-language series on Netflix.

After the success of the first season, Netflix commissioned two additional installments from creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, focuses on the infamous Menendez brothers, who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. The season stars Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Cooper Koch, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as members of the Menendez family.

Behind the Scenes

Monster is co-created by Murphy and Ian Brennan, who have partnered on several projects since their collaboration on Glee. Brennan and Murphy's past projects together include Hollywood, Halston, and Ratched.

The choice to center Monster’s third season on Gein—whose notorious crimes partly inspired Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre—ties to the cultural fascination with serial killers. 

In a recent Collider interview, Murphy explained that he and Brennan were intrigued by the origins of public fascination with such figures. Murphy noted, "The very first one who became a celebrity at that level was Ed," describing how Gein’s notoriety spiked from the moment of his arrest. 

According to Murphy, Gein’s complex motivations, along with his schizophrenia, make his story uniquely compelling for the series. Murphy had previously explored Gein’s influence on horror in American Horror Story’s "Bloodyface" character in season two.