Unmasking Horror: The Chilling Trailer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix

The trailer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story, the third installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s gripping anthology series, has just dropped, and it’s nothing short of spine-chilling. Set to premiere on Netflix on October 3, 2025, this season delves into the gruesome true-crime tale of Ed Gein, the infamous 1950s serial killer and grave robber whose macabre acts inspired iconic horror films like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Here’s a deep dive into what the trailer reveals and why this series is already generating buzz.

How Long Till We Can Watch It?

A Haunting First Look

The nearly three-minute trailer sets an eerie tone from the start, with Tom Hollander’s Alfred Hitchcock narrating, asking, “What shocks you most about him?” as police uncover the horrors within Gein’s rural Wisconsin farmhouse. The visuals are unsettling: Charlie Hunnam, unrecognizable as Ed Gein, dances in a dress made of human skin, wearing his mother’s face as a mask—a direct nod to Gein’s real-life atrocities. The trailer, backed by the haunting Pet Shop Boys’ track “It’s a Sin,” builds tension as it flashes between Gein’s gruesome acts and glimpses of his fractured psyche. Hunnam’s Gein breaks the fourth wall, chillingly stating, “You’re the one who can’t look away,” daring viewers to confront their fascination with true crime.

The trailer also introduces Addison Rae as Evelyn, a babysitter and alleged victim of Gein, alongside Laurie Metcalf as Gein’s domineering mother, Augusta, whose influence looms large over his descent into madness. The footage teases not just the horror of Gein’s crimes but also his cultural impact, with scenes hinting at Hollywood’s fascination with his story, including appearances by Tom Hollander as Hitchcock and other cast members portraying figures like Anthony Perkins and Tobe Hooper.

A Star-Studded Cast and Vision

Charlie Hunnam’s transformation into Ed Gein is a standout, with fans on YouTube praising his chilling portrayal: “Charlie is going to do a phenomenal job… I didn’t even recognize him at first!” The makeup and costume departments have clearly worked magic to bring the “Butcher of Plainfield” to life. Alongside Hunnam, the cast includes heavyweights like Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams as Alma Reville, Vicky Krieps, and Suzanna Son as Adeline, Gein’s only friend. This ensemble promises a layered exploration of Gein’s life, from his isolated upbringing to his gruesome crimes.

Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the creative minds behind the Monster series, aim to go beyond sensationalism. Brennan, who wrote all eight episodes, told Netflix’s Tudum, “I think this is the best season of the three, and it’s going to blow people’s socks off.” Murphy adds that the series explores whether monsters are born or made, suggesting a psychological depth that will examine Gein’s isolation, psychosis, and obsession with his mother. The inclusion of Hitchcock’s perspective ties Gein’s story to its lasting impact on horror cinema, making this season as much about cultural legacy as it is about crime.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Monster: The Ed Gein Story promises to be the most harrowing chapter of the anthology yet, following the massive success of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (1 billion hours viewed) and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The trailer suggests a blend of psychological horror, true-crime drama, and Hollywood commentary, appealing to both horror fans and true-crime enthusiasts. However, it’s not without controversy—some X users and Reddit commenters have criticized the series for potentially glamorizing Gein’s atrocities, with one user noting, “Stop exploiting and sexualizing trauma at the cost of victims.” Others, however, are excited for the escapism and horror, with one Reddit post calling the use of “It’s a Sin” in the trailer “pretty genius.”

The series will explore Gein’s crimes—murdering at least two women, grave-robbing, and crafting grotesque keepsakes like lampshades and masks from human remains—while contextualizing his influence on modern horror. As Netflix’s logline states, “Ed Gein didn’t just influence a genre—he became the blueprint for modern horror.” With a release date of October 3, 2025, all eight episodes will be available to stream globally, perfect for a chilling fall binge.

Final Thoughts

The trailer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story is a masterclass in building dread, offering a glimpse into a series that promises to be both terrifying and thought-provoking. Charlie Hunnam’s haunting performance, combined with Ryan Murphy’s signature storytelling, sets the stage for a deep dive into one of America’s most notorious killers. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological complexity, the horror homage, or the stellar cast, this series is poised to captivate—and unsettle—viewers when it lands on Netflix. Mark your calendars for October 3, and prepare to enter Ed Gein’s house of horrors.