Queer as Folk’s Charlie Hunnam to play Ryan Murphy’s Psycho killer Ed Gein

Following the significant success of Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, renowned producer and writer Ryan Murphy is set to release yet another gripping true-crime drama. Titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the series will debut on Netflix this Thursday.

At a premiere event for Monsters held yesterday, Murphy addressed an eager audience and introduced some of the show’s key stars, including acclaimed actors Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny. During the event, Murphy made a surprise announcement that took the audience by storm — his next highly anticipated project will focus on the infamous American murderer and body snatcher, Ed Gein. Furthermore, British actor Charlie Hunnam has been cast to portray Gein.

Charlie Hunnam, 44, has garnered a diverse acting portfolio over the years, attracting considerable attention for his roles in both television and film. Hunnam’s career began with a significant role in the original version of Queer As Folk in 1999, where he played Nathan, a schoolboy involved in a complex relationship with Stuart, portrayed by Aidan Gillen. In addition to his work on Sons of Anarchy, Hunnam has starred in a range of movies, including Pacific Rim, The Gentlemen, Papillon, and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Ryan Murphy’s announcement that Hunnam will portray Ed Gein was unexpected, and there are few details currently available about the forthcoming series. It remains unclear whether the series has been fully greenlit by the network or the platform.

Ed Gein, also known as the Butcher of Plainfield and the Plainfield Ghoul, became notorious in the 1950s for his gruesome crimes. Gein admitted to killing two women in Wisconsin, and authorities suspect he may have been involved in other murders. Notably, Gein exhumed bodies from local graveyards and kept macabre trophies made from human skin and bones. He was arrested in 1957 and spent the remainder of his life in a mental health institution, passing away in 1984. Gein’s horrific actions inspired Tobe Hooper’s 1974 horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and have since become part of American cultural lore.

Although details about Murphy’s Ed Gein project are scant, anticipation is high among true-crime enthusiasts, especially following the acclaim of “Dahmer.” The announcement has further heightened excitement for the upcoming release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

The premiere event for Monsters received a warm reception. Among those in attendance was actor Cheyenne Jackson, who praised the series on Instagram. Jackson described the show as “entertaining, thought-provoking, and riveting,” lauding Murphy and co-creator Ian Brennan for their ambitious storytelling. He also commended the casting and production crew for their impeccable recreation of the late 1980s and praised the performances of actors including Butler Harner, Ari Graynor, and Leslie Grossman.