Monster: The Ed Gein Story – What advice did Sarah Paulson give Charlie Hunnam before he stepped in the character of serial killer? Star reveals

The task to completely embody a complex character, especially that of a serial killer, can be difficult, but Charlie Hunnam does a commendable job in doing so in Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The series, which dropped on October 3, 2025, took the internet by storm with how realistic and authentic Charlie Hunnam’s performance is.

The path to embody such a layered character has not been an easy one for Charlie Hunnam. He had a process which he followed along with the help of an old friend. Sarah Paulson, Charlie Hunnam’s friend, gave him crucial advice that helped him navigate through the character of the serial killer, Ed Gein.

Sarah Paulson’s advice to Charlie Hunnam for Monster: The Ed Gein Story

In a recent interview, Monster: The Ed Gein Story star Charlie Hunnam opened up about his journey of embodying the role of serial killer Ed Gein. He reached out to Sarah Paulson, who is already well-versed in taking on complex roles. She advised Charlie Hunnam to “challenge” himself. She also pointed out that “it’s inside you” and he needed to look deep and find it.”

Her words definitely acted as a propelling factor in pushing him towards making the role a memorable one. Sarah Paulson definitely knows how to help her friends navigate through difficult times. Besides taking Sarah Paulson’s advice, Charlie Hunnam did his homework well, and it shows. In the interview, he admitted to reading all the books that were related to Ed Gein. He also took an avid interest in the court transcriptions of his cases.

He took the preparation to the next level by even going through Ed Gein’s medical records and spending immense time understanding why he did what he did. He did not want to glorify Ed Gein’s activities, which is truly a crucial aspect, as TV shows can often be influential. Charlie Hunnam points out that Monster: The Ed Gein Story is about “mental health”. There is a significant focus on the “consequences of abuse and isolation”, which also leaves a lasting impact.

It is truly intriguing to see how passionate Charlie Hunnam is towards his work. Seeking Sarah Paulson’s advice to bring out the essence of the character shows his dedication to his project.

It is no news that Sarah Paulson is a queen in the field of thrill and horror. With works like American Horror Story, Ratched, American Gothic, and many more under her belt, she is well aware of the things that need to be done to make a lasting impact with her presence.

The serial killer, Ed Gein, has been the inspiration for a multitude of movies and TV shows through the years. Now with Monster: The Ed Gein Story, we get a deeper look into the whole story of this man. The series dives deep into the psychological proceedings behind Ed Gein’s activities. The series begins with Ed committing his first murder.

He kills his own brother. However, due to his Schizophrenia, he does not understand the situation. Ed thinks that his brother is still alive. Soon, his mother finds out about his brother’s death. It leaves a deep impact, eventually leading to her death. Ed grows up all alone and secluded, which becomes a crucial factor in making him the way he turns out to be.

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