This article contains discussions of kidnapping, abuse, and murder.
In the television landscape today, there’s no shortage of serialized true crime stories—many of them from creator and writer Ryan Murphy. Within his Netflix deal, Murphy has already covered the stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, and when his Monster franchise returns on October 3, it will explore the 1950s Wisconsin-based serial killer Ed Gein. Also known as the Butcher of Plainfield, the notorious “bodysnatcher” and murderer will be played by Charlie Hunnam.
Unlike previous Monster installments, the Ed Gein version will also explore the killer’s infamy and depiction in horror films, with fictionalized versions of filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Tobe Hooper included in the series. Read on to find out who will be embodying these famous names and the other major characters in Gein’s life in the cast of Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
Given that Gein served as one of the inspirations for Norman Bates and Hitchcock’s film “Psycho,” it would appear Season 3 of the hit Netflix anthology will delve into how Gein’s crimes influenced the film and the novel upon which the film was based.
Hollander received an Emmy nomination for his work in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” His other TV credits include “The White Lotus,” “Rev,” “Taboo,” and “The Night Manager.” He is also known for his work in films like “Gosford Park,” the 2005 version of “Pride & Prejudice,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. He received both a Tony and Olivier Award nomination for his work in the play “Travesties.”
Williams recently appeared in Seasons 5 and 6 of “The Crown” at Netflix in the role of Camilla Parker Bowles. She is also set to appear in the upcoming Max series “Dune: Prophecy,” which serves as a prequel to the “Dune” films. Her other television roles include “Manhattan,” “Counterpart,” “Dollhouse,” and “The Nevers.” Williams is known for her roles in films like “Rushmore,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Hanna” (which also starred Hollander), “An Education,” and “Hyde Park on Hudson.”
Metcalf is repped by CAA. Hollander is repped by CAA, United Agents, and Anonymous Content. Williams is repped by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Schreck Rose.
“Monster” originally debuted on Netflix in 2022. The first season received widespread acclaim, particularly for the performances of Evan Peters as Dahmer and Niecey Nash as Glenda Cleveland. Peters won a Golden Globe for the show, while Nash won an Emmy. It currently ranks as the third most-watched season of English language television in Netflix history. Netflix renewed the show for a second and third season in 2022. Season 2 of the series, which tells the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez and the murder of their parents, was released on Sept. 19.
Gein became infamous in the 1950s when authorities discovered that he not only had killed multiple people, but had dug up graves from a cemetery near his home and fashioned all manner of household items and clothing from human remains.
This will mark Metcalf and Williams’ first collaboration with “Monster” co-creator Ryan Murphy, while Hollander recently worked with Murphy on the second season of “Feud.” Hollander portrayed Truman Capote in the second season of that anthology series, which debuted in January 2024.
Metcalf is one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, receiving multiple accolades for her work in television, film, and theater. She is a 12-time Emmy nominee with four wins — one for best guest actress in a comedy for “Hacks” and three consecutive wins for the original run of “Roseanne.” She has also been nominated for shows like “The Big Bang Theory,” “Getting On,” and “Desperate Housewives.” In film, Metcalf received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Lady Bird,” while she has starred in other films like the “Toy Story” franchise, “Scream 2,” and “Desperately Seeking Susan.” Metcalf is also a six-time Tony Award nominee and two-time winner — one for “A Doll’s House, Part 2” and the other for “Three Tall Women.”
