Garrett Hedlund Excited for Charlie Hunnam’s Role in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”
In a recent exclusive interview at the Tulsa King season 3 red carpet event, actor Garrett Hedlund expressed his enthusiasm for longtime friend Charlie Hunnam’s upcoming performance in Netflix’s “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” The 41-year-old actor couldn’t contain his excitement after seeing the show’s first trailer, which was released on September 15. “I can’t wait to see it. I know he put a lot of work into it,” Hedlund told Us Weekly, praising the trailer as “fantastic.” According to Hedlund, Hunnam has been incredibly dedicated to portraying the infamous serial killer, saying emphatically that his friend “worked his ass off” for the role. The highly anticipated Netflix series is scheduled to premiere next month, and Hedlund is clearly among those eagerly awaiting its release, demonstrating the genuine support that exists between these two Hollywood friends.
The bond between Hedlund and Hunnam, 45, was prominently displayed when they portrayed brothers Ben and William Miller in the 2019 action-adventure film “Triple Frontier.” Their natural chemistry on screen wasn’t just good acting—it reflected a genuine friendship that has spanned well over a decade. Hedlund revealed that their collaborative spirit continues beyond that project, as they’re constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to work together. “We’re always looking for things, specifically, brother stuff,” Hedlund explained, adding that they believe they’ve “found it about five times a year.” This ongoing search for joint projects speaks volumes about their professional compatibility and personal connection, suggesting that audiences might see more collaborations between these two actors in the future.
The depth of their friendship was further illuminated in a March 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where Hunnam described Hedlund as a “very dear” friend, noting that they had known each other for more than 15 years. During that conversation, Hunnam shared an amusing anecdote about some paparazzi photos that captured the two wrestling on a beach—an innocent moment between friends that unexpectedly became public. “I was teaching him some jujitsu, and we were rolling a lot and fighting a lot,” Hunnam explained, referring to their preparation for “Triple Frontier,” in which Hedlund played an MMA fighter while Hunnam portrayed a jujitsu practitioner. The candid nature of this story highlights the comfortable, playful relationship between the two actors outside of their professional collaborations.
What makes their friendship particularly interesting is how it has influenced their work together. Hunnam revealed that their natural rapport and physical similarities led to an unexpected creative decision during the production of “Triple Frontier.” Director J.C. Chandor, noticing the strong resemblance and similar energy between the two actors, faced a dilemma about which one to cast—until he had what Hunnam described as a “Eureka moment.” Rather than choosing between them, Chandor decided to rewrite the script to make their characters brothers. “He was looking at us both and feeling like there was too much similarity physically and just our vibes were too similar that he felt like it would ask too many questions if they weren’t related,” Hunnam explained to Screen Rant, demonstrating how their real-life friendship directly influenced the narrative of the film.
The transformation of their characters into siblings proved to be a natural fit, requiring minimal effort from the actors to convey a believable brotherly relationship. “It required very little for the two of us to create a brotherly bond,” Hunnam noted, suggesting that their authentic connection easily translated to their on-screen dynamic. This seamless transition speaks to the genuine nature of their friendship and their ability to channel their real-life rapport into compelling performances. Their collaboration in “Triple Frontier” showcased not only their individual talents but also the special chemistry that exists when close friends work together professionally, bringing an added layer of authenticity to their portrayals.
As Hunnam prepares for what will likely be a challenging and transformative role as Ed Gein in the upcoming Netflix series, Hedlund’s enthusiastic support illustrates the enduring nature of their friendship in an industry often characterized by competition and fleeting relationships. Their professional admiration for each other, combined with their personal connection, offers a refreshing glimpse into a Hollywood friendship that has withstood the test of time. While fans eagerly await Hunnam’s performance in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” they can also appreciate the authentic bond between these two actors that continues to flourish both on and off the screen. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of entertainment, genuine friendships can thrive and even enhance creative collaborations.
