A New Chapter in the Monster Anthology
Charlie Hunnam has returned to the forefront of streaming television with his role in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the fourth installment of the acclaimed anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. According to Deadline, the series, which premiered on September 17, 2026, explores the infamous true-crime narrative of Lizzie Borden, featuring Ella Beatty in the titular role alongside Hunnam, Vicky Krieps, and Rebecca Hall.
In this latest iteration, Hunnam portrays Andrew Borden, the father of the central character. The show depicts Andrew as a bitter and unkind figure who works as an undertaker, characterized by his collection of axes. This performance marks another collaboration with the Ryan Murphy universe, following Hunnam’s portrayal of serial killer Ed Gein in the previous season, as noted by IMDb.
Balancing High-Profile Projects and Private Life
While Hunnam’s professional career continues to garner significant attention, his personal life remains largely sequestered from the Hollywood spotlight. Hunnam has been in a long-term relationship with jewelry designer Morgana McNelis for nearly two decades. McNelis, the creative director of the jewelry brand Maison de Morgana, is known for her eclectic, daydreamer-inspired designs, as reported by Yahoo.
The couple has maintained a notably private existence, often distancing themselves from the industry’s typical demands. In 2013, they purchased a ranch in California to live more sustainably, moving away from the epicenter of Hollywood. This commitment to privacy has often extended to their relationship status, which has been a subject of public curiosity. While Hunnam referred to McNelis as his “wife” during an interview in January 2026, the couple has never officially confirmed a marriage ceremony, with Hunnam previously distinguishing between the “official government sanction” of marriage and the romantic commitment he feels toward his partner.
Career Longevity and Professional Choices
Hunnam’s career has evolved from early appearances in projects like Green Street and Nicholas Nickleby to his current focus on darker, psychologically complex roles within the true-crime genre. His decision-making process regarding projects often involves his partner, as seen in his past consideration of roles like Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey—a project he ultimately stepped down from, citing the intensity of the role. His current work in the Monster series highlights a continued interest in character-driven narratives that explore the darker facets of historical figures and American true-crime history.