American serial killer Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration behind Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs, is at the center of a new two-part docuseries titled Ed Gein: Original Psycho. The docuseries comes as Netflix prepares to release the latest season of its Monster anthology, with Charlie Hunnam set to portray Gein in the upcoming third installment later this year.
Ed Gein: Original Psycho will bring Hearst together with UK producer Spirit Studios and Paul Heaney’s BossaNova, with the trio acting as co-producers. Spirit’s Matt Campion is directing and Martin Sadofski producing, and the series will run on Hearst’s Crime+Investigation channel. BossaNova will have international sales rights.
The docuseries digs into the twisted mind of Gein, who lived as a quiet farmer in Wisconsin before becoming known as “the Butcher of Plainfield” and “the Plainfield Ghoul.”
Using reconstructed transcripts of Gein’s original confessions from November 1957, Original Psycho will use generative AI to portray him and actor performance for the detective who led the real-life interrogation.
“This is not just another retelling of a notorious case – it’s an invitation into the fractured mind of Ed Gein, told in a way that’s as immersive as it is unsettling,” said Spirit Creative Director and co-founder Campion. “We wanted to create something that pushes the boundaries of true crime storytelling and resonates with a global audience.”
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Spirit Studios and BossaNova in this two-part special for Crime+Investigation UK,” said Kelly Hornsby, Hearst Networks EMEA’s Head of Acquisitions. “Use of pioneering production techniques and innovative storytelling methods, enable us to give an entirely fresh and revelatory insight into the life and times of one of America’s most infamous killers”.
“Both Spirit and BossaNova have a strong track record in the true crime genre, making this partnership all the more meaningful as we join forces to deliver programmes that are disturbingly authentic,” said BossaNova Head of Acquisitions Claire Runham.
“Ed Gein: Original Psycho will bring viewers face to face with one of history’s most notorious killers – the man whose crimes inspired some of Hollywood’s most iconic and terrifying horror films. With the third season of Netflix’s Monster franchise coming up, featuring Charlie Hunnam as Gein, we’re anticipating major buzz around the films and for them to make waves internationally.”
