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Netflix Reportedly Has a New ''Monster'' in Accused Ax Murderer Lizzie Borden

The recent developments surrounding Netflix's *Monster* series, specifically the third installment focusing on Ed Gein, have sparked significant controversy and speculation. According to reports, Netflix has allegedly decided to cancel or "ax" the upcoming season of the anthology series, which was set to explore the chilling story of Ed Gein, a notorious figure in American criminal history. This decision has left fans and industry observers puzzled, as the *Monster* series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, has been a major success for the streaming giant, drawing massive viewership and critical acclaim for its dark, psychological storytelling.

The *Monster* anthology series first gained prominence with its debut season, *Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*, released in 2022. Starring Evan Peters as the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the series delved into the gruesome details of Dahmer's crimes while also exploring the systemic failures and societal issues that allowed his atrocities to go unchecked for so long. The show was both a commercial and cultural phenomenon, sparking intense debates about the ethics of dramatizing real-life tragedies and the potential glorification of serial killers. Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, the series became one of Netflix's most-watched shows, cementing the *Monster* franchise as a cornerstone of the platform's true-crime offerings.

Following the success of the Dahmer story, Netflix quickly greenlit a second season, *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, which premiered in September 2024. This installment shifted focus to the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in a highly publicized case from the late 1980s. The series once again stirred controversy, with critics and viewers debating the portrayal of the brothers and the show's handling of sensitive topics such as abuse and trauma. Nevertheless, the Menendez story continued to draw significant attention, further solidifying the *Monster* series as a cultural touchstone for true-crime enthusiasts. The anthology format, which allows each season to tackle a different infamous figure or case, has been a key factor in maintaining audience interest, as it offers fresh narratives while retaining the dark, unsettling tone that defines the franchise.

Given the success of the first two seasons, anticipation was high for the third installment, which was widely reported to center on Ed Gein, a figure whose macabre crimes have long fascinated and horrified the public. Gein, often referred to as the "Butcher of Plainfield," was a Wisconsin man whose actions in the mid-20th century inspired numerous works of fiction, including iconic horror films like *Psycho* and *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*. His crimes, which included grave robbing and creating grotesque items from human remains, as well as the murder of at least two women, have made him a chilling symbol of depravity. The choice to focus on Gein for the next *Monster* season seemed fitting, given the series' penchant for exploring the darkest corners of human behavior and the psychological underpinnings of monstrous acts.

However, recent reports suggest that Netflix has decided to pull the plug on this planned season, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the reasons behind the cancellation. While no official statement from Netflix or the creative team has been released to confirm or deny these claims, several theories have emerged to explain the decision. One prominent theory is that the subject matter of Ed Gein's story may have been deemed too disturbing or controversial, even for a series known for pushing boundaries. Gein's crimes, which involve necrophilia and the desecration of human bodies, are particularly gruesome, and there may be concerns about how such content would be received by audiences or whether it could cross ethical lines in its depiction. The *Monster* series has already faced criticism for potentially sensationalizing real-life tragedies, and a season focused on Gein could amplify those concerns, prompting Netflix to reconsider its approach.

Another possible reason for the alleged cancellation could be related to creative or logistical challenges. Crafting a narrative around Ed Gein that balances historical accuracy with compelling storytelling may present unique difficulties, especially given the limited documentation of his life compared to figures like Dahmer or the Menendez brothers. Gein's story, while infamous, is less widely understood in terms of his personal motivations and psychological state, which could make it harder to construct a nuanced portrayal that resonates with viewers. Additionally, there may be concerns about casting and how to depict such a deeply unsettling figure without veering into exploitation or caricature. These challenges, combined with the high expectations set by the previous seasons, might have led to doubts about whether the project could meet the standards of the *Monster* franchise.

The potential cancellation also raises questions about the future direction of the *Monster* series. With two successful seasons already under its belt, the anthology has established itself as a major draw for Netflix, and abandoning a planned third season could signal a shift in strategy for the platform or the creative team. Some speculate that Netflix might be considering other infamous figures or cases for future installments, opting for stories that are less likely to provoke backlash or that offer a clearer path to compelling drama. Alternatively, the streaming service could be reevaluating the *Monster* franchise altogether, weighing whether to continue investing in true-crime content amid growing scrutiny of the genre's ethical implications. The true-crime boom, while lucrative, has faced increasing criticism for its potential to retraumatize victims' families and sensationalize horrific events, and Netflix may be taking these concerns into account as it plans its programming slate.

For fans of the series, the news of the alleged cancellation is disappointing, as many were eager to see how Ryan Murphy and his team would tackle Ed Gein's story. Murphy, known for his bold and often provocative storytelling, has a track record of transforming real-life events into gripping television, as seen in other projects like *American Crime Story*. His ability to blend horror with social commentary has been a hallmark of the *Monster* series, and a season focused on Gein could have offered a unique opportunity to explore themes of isolation, mental illness, and the cultural fascination with horror. Gein's influence on popular culture, particularly in the horror genre, could have provided a meta-narrative for the series to examine why society is so drawn to stories of monsters, both real and fictional.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the third season, the *Monster* series remains a significant part of Netflix's catalog, and its impact on the true-crime genre cannot be understated. The first two seasons have not only achieved massive viewership but have also sparked important conversations about the ethics of storytelling, the portrayal of victims, and the societal factors that enable monstrous behavior. Whether or not the Ed Gein story comes to fruition, the *Monster* franchise has already left an indelible mark on television, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity's capacity for evil.

In the absence of official confirmation from Netflix, the fate of the *Monster* series remains speculative. Fans are left to wonder whether the platform will pivot to a different subject for the next season or if the anthology will take a hiatus to reassess its direction. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy surrounding the alleged cancellation of the Ed Gein season underscores the complex balance between entertainment and responsibility that defines the true-crime genre. As the *Monster* series continues to navigate these murky waters, its legacy as a provocative and polarizing piece of television is assured, even if its future remains uncertain. For now, audiences can only wait and see whether Netflix will resurrect the project or lay the story of Ed Gein to rest for good, leaving one of history's most infamous monsters to linger in the shadows of speculation.

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