By Neela Debnath
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Monster: The Ed Gein Story is here to binge on Netflix after much anticipation. Following on from The Jeffrey Dahmer Story in 2022 and The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story in 2024, the new eight-part show focuses on serial killer Ed Gein (played by Charlie Hunnam). The drama not only focuses on the macabre and grisly crimes committed by Gein, but also how the case influenced Hollywood horror . The programme weaves together Gein’s crimes with the making of iconic American horror movies Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs. Much like super producer Ryan Murphy’s other outfits, Monster: The Ed Gein Story features an impressive cast, here’s a look at where you may have seen some of the cast members before. Ed Gein – Charlie Hunnam British star Charlie Hunnam takes the lead in a career-defining performance as serial killer Ed Gein. He is best known for his roles in Sons Of Anarchy, Shantaram, The Gentleman and Rebel Moon, among other projects. Adeline Watkins – Suzanna Son Actress and composer Suzanna Son plays Adeline Watkins, who has a complex relationship with Ed Gein. Son counts credits in Red Rocket, The Idol on HBO and Netflix’s Fear Street: Prom Queen. Alma Reville – Olivia Williams British thespian Olivia Williams plays screenwriter and editor Alma Reville, who was also married to Alfred Hitchcock and had a hand in co-writing several of his movies, such as The Lady Vanishes and Shadow of a Doubt. Williams has appeared in the likes of Rushmore, The Sixth Sense, Peter Pan, Anna Karenina, The Father, and An Education. Ilse Koch – Vicky Krieps Luxembourgish-German actress Vicky Krieps portrays the sadistic Ilse Koch, a real-life figure known as the B**** of Buchenwald. Krieps has starred in Bergman Island, Corsage, A Most Wanted Man, Hold Me Tight and Phantom Thread. Bernice Worden – Lesley Manville British acting heavyweight Lesley Manville plays hardware store owner Bernice Worden, who becomes caught in Gein’s crosshairs. Manville has appeared in Maleficent, Secrets & Lies, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Mr. Turner, Vera Drake, and Phantom Thread. Evelyn – Addison Rae American singer-songwriter Addison Rae shows off her acting chops as Evelyn, a babysitter whom Gein becomes obsessed with. This isn’t Rae’s first acting gig after appear in He’s All That and Thanksgiving, however this performance could see her appear more onscreen. Anthony Perkins – Joey Pollari Taking on the role of Psycho’s Norman Bates star Anthony Perkins is actor and musician Joey Pollari, who has appeared in American Crime, The Inbetweeners, and Love, Simon. Other cast members include Charlie Hall as Deputy Worden and the son of Bernice Worden, Tyler Jacob Moore as Sheriff Schley, Mimi Kennedy as Dr Mildred Newman, Will Brill as director Tobe Hooper, and Robin Weigert as Adeline’s mother Enid Watkins. Gein’s domineering mother Augusta Gein is portrayed Laurie Metcalf, whose biggest projects include The Big Bang Theory, Lady Bird, Desperately Seeking Susan, Roseanne, The Connors and The Dropout. Metcalf was the only choice for Gein’s mother, with writer Ian Brennan saying: “I grew up in Chicago doing theater, so that’s as close to a theater goddess actually exists in real life [sic]. “It makes your job so much easier when you get somebody like her.” British star Tom Hollander looks completely unrecognisable as legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. The star has an impressive career and some of his biggest projects include Pride & Prejudice (2005) as Mr Collins and the Pirates of The Caribbean franchise. Some of his other projects have included Gosford Park, Feud: Bette and Joan, and The White Lotus. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is streaming on Netflix now
