Actor Charlie Hunnam’s portrayal of Ed Gein in Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story has captivated audiences—and stirred debate. Recently uncovered “lost tapes” featuring the convicted murderer’s real voice revealed a chilling, softer tone contrary to the accent Hunnam adopted.
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The four-part series, the third installment of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology, debuted in October 2025 starring Hunnam as Gein. The actor drew inspiration for Gein’s high-pitched, gentle voice from the killer’s troubled relationship with his mother, seeking to embody Gein’s lifelong desire for her affection.
However, fans reacted strongly on social media and YouTube, with some describing Hunnam’s voice as “ridiculous” or “like Winnie the Pooh,” and others saying it detracted from the show’s authenticity. The real voice, heard in a 1957 interrogation recording featured in a 2023 documentary, was softer and quieter, reflecting Gein’s meek personality yet noticeably different from the TV portrayal.
Despite mixed reactions, Hunnam’s choice added chilling layers to the character, emphasizing the complexity behind the notorious “Plainfield Ghoul.”
