The actor explores a different side of horror in the latest installment of the anthology series
Category: Arts & Culture
Charlie Hunnam is back on Netflix, this time taking on the role of Andrew Borden in the latest installment of the *Monster* anthology series, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*. The show, which debuted on September 17, 2026, quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s English TV list, amassing 12.1 million views in its opening week.
In this fourth season of the series, which follows seasons focused on notorious figures such as Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein, Hunnam portrays the wealthy father of Lizzie Borden, a character who is a victim and a complex figure in his own right. Unlike his previous role as the infamous killer Ed Gein, Hunnam's portrayal of Andrew Borden offers a unique exploration of familial relationships and emotional distance.
Hunnam, 46, expressed excitement about returning to the *Monster* series, stating that the opportunity to collaborate again with co-creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan was a major motivating factor. "I like the role. I like the story," he said, noting that the tone of *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* differs significantly from that of *The Ed Gein Story*. According to Hunnam, the new season has a "slightly different" and more comedic approach, which he found appealing.
In preparing for his role as Andrew Borden, Hunnam faced a different set of challenges compared to his time as Ed Gein. He had previously lost 30 pounds and wore prosthetics to embody the notorious murderer, but the shift to Andrew allowed him to explore a lighter, yet still complex character. Hunnam described Andrew as a "wealthy carpenter and emotionally distant father," who, though not overtly cruel, turns a blind eye to the suffering of his daughter Lizzie.
Showrunner Ian Brennan emphasized the importance of Hunnam's return, explaining that they were not ready to say goodbye to him after his portrayal of Gein. "We had such a great time working on the last season. It was just a joy," Brennan said. He praised Hunnam’s ability to bring depth and sympathy to characters that could easily become one-dimensional. "Charlie just rounds out every character with this deep well of sympathy," Brennan added, highlighting the actor's skill in portraying Andrew Borden as a troubled man rather than a stereotypical bad father.
The story of Lizzie Borden, who was arrested and acquitted for the axe murders of her father Andrew and stepmother Abby in 1892, remains a subject of intrigue. The case is officially unsolved, with Lizzie's acquittal coming after just 90 minutes of jury deliberation. Hunnam's portrayal seeks to capture the emotional turmoil surrounding Andrew, who, according to historical accounts, was a taciturn and anti-social figure.
Hunnam noted that the lack of extensive historical records about Andrew Borden allowed him greater creative freedom in crafting the character. "There’s almost nothing written about Andrew. He wasn’t very well known," Hunnam explained. This absence of information gave him the latitude to invent aspects of the character, including his voice, which was a creative choice made during the rehearsal process.
Unlike his experience with Gein, where he felt compelled to maintain a certain mindset throughout filming, Hunnam approached the character of Andrew with a more balanced perspective. "I would have two, three weeks off of work in between, and I just didn’t feel like I wanted to reside in that space," he said. This flexibility allowed him to engage with the character without becoming overwhelmed by his darker aspects.
Hunnam's interpretation of Andrew Borden also reflects themes of oppression, grief, and resentment that permeate the season. He described Andrew as a man who fell into despair after the loss of his wife and children, leading to a life filled with anger and bitterness. This emotional depth adds layers to the character and creates a more relatable figure for viewers.
As *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* continues to gain traction on Netflix, it opens up discussions about the nature of horror, familial dynamics, and the psychological underpinnings of its characters. The eight-episode season revisits one of America's most notorious murder cases, infusing it with a fresh perspective that blends humor and tragedy.
With its success, the series promises to explore even more complex narratives in future installments. Hunnam's ability to transition from a historical killer to a victim trapped in his own familial narrative showcases the versatility of the anthology format. As audiences continue to engage with the series, it is uncertain how the creators will navigate the delicate balance between horror and humanity.
In a recent interview, Hunnam expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented cast and crew, stating, "Max and Ian and Ryan all love actors and expect us to show up with a perspective and be ready to do our work." This collaborative environment is likely to yield even more engaging stories in the future, as the *Monster* anthology continues to evolve.
As viewers tune in to *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*, they are treated to a gripping tale of murder and mystery and a poignant exploration of the human condition, making it a must-watch series on Netflix.