Exciting True Crime Elements in Monster Season 3: A Hollywood Origin Story Unfolds

Main Insights

Charlie Hunnam is set to portray Ed Gein in the upcoming third season of Monster, which hints at a compelling blend of true crime and Hollywood horror.
The casting of Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock suggests an exploration into the roots of Hollywood’s eerie attraction to serial killers.
This season, titled The Original Monster, appears poised to directly examine Ed Gein’s impact on the film industry, highlighting the connection between true crime narratives and cinematic horror.

Monster season 3 is set to commence filming soon, with Charlie Hunnam taking on the role of infamous serial killer Ed Gein for this Netflix series. As viewers digest the recently released second season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, anticipation is building for the next installment. Recent casting news indicates an intriguing direction for season 3, as acclaimed actor Tom Hollander secures a role as the iconic horror filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.

It is widely recognized that the character Norman Bates from Psycho drew inspiration from the heinous crimes of Ed Gein. The inclusion of Hitchcock in Monster season 3 suggests it may weave together a narrative that merges true crime with the origins of Hollywood horror, a prospect that excites fans greatly. The series will be dubbed The Original Monster, a title that acknowledges the significant influence Ed Gein’s disturbing actions had on the horror genre in Hollywood.

Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock in The Original Monster: Implications of a True Crime Narrative Merging with Hollywood’s Killer Obsession

The Original Monster
Featuring	Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams
Launch Year	2025
Developed by	Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan

Viewers of Ryan Murphy’s gripping serial killer anthology received thrilling news this week with the reveal of three new actors joining Charlie Hunnam in The Original Monster. Laurie Metcalf will take on the role of Gein’s mother, Augusta, whose character plays a crucial part in uncovering the origins of the serial killer. The other two casting choices are particularly intriguing as they suggest a broader narrative. Tom Hollander’s portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock and Olivia Williams as his wife, Alma Reville, points towards a unique intersection of true crime and the Hollywood narrative. In a recent interview with Collider, Ryan Murphy shared his creative vision for the third season:

“What sparked our cultural fascination with serial killers? How did this obsession originate?”He stated that Ed Gein became an immediate celebrity following his arrest, marking a pivotal point in the public’s interest in such figures.

monster-season-3-netflix-casts-tom-hollander-olivia-williams-and-laurie-metcalf

The Original Monster Casting Updates

Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock
Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein
Olivia Williams as Alma Reville

While it was anticipated that The Original Monster would delve into Ed Gein’s influence on Hollywood, it wasn’t initially clear how closely it would follow the real-life figures of that era. However, the addition of these captivating cast members suggests a richer tapestry that does not solely revolve around Gein’s chilling narrative. It appears the show will explore the complexities of how Gein’s life eventually sparked an enduring Hollywood obsession with serial killers.

The Connection Between True Crime and Horror in Hollywood Has Always Existed, But The Original Monster Promises a Direct Exploration

There has long been speculation about how Ed Gein fueled Hollywood’s moral panic concerning serial killers, but the direct connection made through the character of Alfred Hitchcock adds an exciting layer to this exploration. The true crime genre continues to captivate audiences, and this season promises to delve into the reasons behind our collective fascination with real-life horrors. Murphy hinted at the powerful narratives rooted in pop culture, highlighting influences such as Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and American Psycho as key inspirations stemming from Gein’s notoriety.

Highlighting Psycho as the initial film to draw inspiration from Gein’s actions makes perfect sense, especially considering its release shortly after Gein’s crimes came to light. However, Murphy indicated that the narrative would extend to discuss later influences as well, potentially offering a nod to Netflix’s own engagement with the true crime phenomenon. While it’s still uncertain how Hitchcock will be woven into the storyline—given that he never interacted personally with Gein—the 2012 biopic Hitchcock did hint at Hitchcock’s preoccupation with the murders committed by the Plainfield Butcher.

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