Charlie Hunnam discusses his liberating role as Andrew Borden in ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,’ following his portrayal of Ed Gein.
Charlie Hunnam, known for his role in Sons of Anarchy, will portray Andrew Borden in the latest season of Monster, specifically focusing on The Lizzie Borden Story. Announced by The Hollywood Reporter on September 18, 2026, this marks Hunnam’s reunion with creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, stepping into the role of Lizzie Borden's father in this Netflix true-crime anthology.
In this season, Hunnam's portrayal of Andrew Borden is framed as a liberating experience for the actor. He states that taking on the character allowed him to explore a nuanced spectrum of emotion and motivation, unlike his previous role as infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Hunnam explained that while Ed Gein was extensively documented, Andrew Borden's historical footprint is much less defined, allowing for greater creative freedom. This lack of extensive materials prompted him to construct a version of Andrew that complements Lizzie's narrative arc as she stands accused of his and her stepmother Abby Borden's murders.
The Borden household's dynamics were marked by tension and tragedy, providing a fertile ground for storytelling. The infamous case remains one of the most recognized stories in American criminal history. Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892 but was ultimately acquitted. Hunnam revealed that a significant amount of his understanding of Andrew Borden's character was shaped through discussions with Murphy and Brennan, who initially leaned toward the belief that Lizzie had indeed committed the crimes. This perspective invites viewers to ponder the complex interactions in the Borden family that may have led to the tragic events.
Hunnam reflected on the challenges involved in balancing his portrayal of two very different characters: the monstrous Ed Gein and the ambiguous Andrew Borden. Engaging with Andrew, a character described as reclusive and socially detached, posed unique challenges for Hunnam. However, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore this duality, stating it has enriched his performance. He anticipates that audiences will engage deeply with the Borden family’s intricate backstory. Now that all episodes of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story are available on Netflix, viewers can dissect these layered relationships, prompting renewed discussions about the moral implications of true crime storytelling.
Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of Andrew Borden opens new avenues of discussion surrounding historical crime narratives, pushing the boundaries of character exploration within the genre. This season presents the opportunity to redefine audience perceptions of true crime as a complex examination of human psychology, rather than mere reenactment of past events. By focusing on the interplay of creative freedom and historical ambiguity related to Andrew Borden, the season offers a fresh lens through which to analyze the psychological and emotional layers of the Borden family and the infamous crimes connected to them.
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