Charlie Hunnam Says He Adopted Kittens to “Decompress” While Filming Netflix’s ‘Monster’ as He Prepares for Emmy-Nominated Ed Gein Role

Charlie Hunnam said he leaned on small, calming routines while filming Netflix’s limited series “Monster,” including adopting kittens to help him “decompress” from the intensity of playing Ed Gein. Hunnam, who was nominated for an Emmy for his performance, discussed the practical steps he took to prepare for the role and how he managed the mental toll of inhabiting a notorious serial killer character.

In “Monster,” Netflix dramatizes the life of Gein, a historical figure whose crimes shocked communities in the mid-20th century. Hunnam’s comments, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, framed his approach as both physical and psychological, describing preparation methods intended to help him stay functional on set and protect his day-to-day well-being when the material felt especially dark.

The actor also addressed fear and discomfort tied to the role, saying he was frightened by elements of portraying Gein. While he did not describe the fear in technical detail in the report, he characterized it as part of what made the performance demanding and as something he had to work through to keep his interpretation controlled rather than overwhelming.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hunnam tied the role’s strain to the process of transforming for the character, describing “Monster” as one of the more difficult projects he has taken on. He said he focused on routines that could create boundaries between the work and his personal life, using time with animals and other forms of grounding as a counterweight to the show’s subject matter.

Hunnam’s interview also pointed to the broader preparation involved in a high-profile, true-crime adaptation for a streaming audience. “Monster” requires actors to convey a complex mix of menace, unsettling realism, and character history, and Hunnam said his work plan included managing his body and mindset rather than treating the role as a purely technical exercise.

With the Emmy nomination elevating attention on the series, the actor’s remarks highlight the behind-the-scenes labor of bringing a historically infamous character to the screen, including what performers do to avoid carryover after days of intense production. Netflix has not announced additional details in the reporting cited for this item, and the next public steps for the project will largely depend on the awards calendar and any further promotional materials released by the network.