Charlie Hunnam has built a career on intense, brooding characters, from Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy to Ed Gein in the previous season of Monster. But his latest role in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story brings a surprising twist: a dose of dark comedy. As Andrew Borden, the ill-fated father of the infamous Lizzie, Hunnam gets to explore a character who is both tragic and unexpectedly funny.
In a recent interview, Hunnam opened up about the challenges of playing Andrew, a man who is 'broken to the core' after a series of personal tragedies. He explained that Andrew's tendency to undermine everyone around him stems from his own deep-seated pain, but his relationship with the family maid, Bridget, reveals a softer side. 'He truly fell in love with her and found a sense of connection that had been missing in his life,' Hunnam said, adding that Andrew genuinely wanted Bridget to find happiness, even if it meant supporting her ambitions.
The dynamic between Andrew and Bridget is one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Hunnam mused that Andrew might have been drawn to Bridget's spirit because it reminded him of his first wife, or simply because she brought a freshness to his otherwise stagnant world. This complexity is a testament to the writing of creator Ian Brennan, whose dialogue Hunnam praised for its specificity and musicality.
But filming wasn't all serious introspection. Hunnam revealed his biggest fear during production was, in his words, 'I obviously didn't want to shit myself.' This came up in the context of a particularly physical scene involving projectile vomiting and explosive diarrhea. Hunnam laughed about the logistical challenges, noting that while actors often try to embody their characters' emotions, this was one instance where he had to be careful not to take things too far.
Despite the comedic elements, Hunnam took the role seriously, improvising within the framework Brennan created. He mentioned that director Max encouraged improvisation, allowing the cast to play with the dialogue while staying true to the script's intent. The result is a performance that balances tragedy and humor, making Andrew Borden a memorable addition to the Monster anthology.
Hunnam also teased that he pitched a season idea to Ryan Murphy, though he kept the details under wraps. Fans of the series can look forward to more twists as the season unfolds, especially with the addition of Aileen Wuornos to the mix, as reported in this season's expanding cast. For those who want to dive deeper into Lizzie's story, Ella Beatty's portrayal has been generating buzz.
As the season progresses, viewers will see more of Andrew's tragic past and his complicated relationships. Hunnam's performance is a standout, proving he can handle both the dark and the absurd. Whether you're a fan of true crime or just enjoy a good character study, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is worth a watch. And if you're curious about other shows leaving Netflix soon, check out what's departing to plan your binge list.
