Introduction

On September 16, 2025, the popular entertainment account @PopCrave shared a tweet that gave fans their first official look at Addison Rae portraying Evelyn Hartley in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming Netflix series, Monster: The Ed Gein Story. With the series set to premiere on October 3, 2025, this post has quickly become a focal point for both excitement and debate online.

Tweet Breakdown: First Glimpse

The tweet included two distinct images showing Rae in contrasting styles:

• Image 1: Rae appears in a modest, patterned blouse, standing near a window or doorway with warm lighting that casts dramatic shadows. Her expression suggests contemplation and tension.
• Image 2: Rae is shown in vintage light green lingerie, hands bound, set against a rustic interior. The scene conveys vulnerability and fear, aligning with the series’ dark tone.

These images capture the psychological depth of her character and hint at the series’ commitment to both historical accuracy and cinematic storytelling.

Context: Addison Rae as Evelyn Hartley

Evelyn Hartley was a real-life figure involved in the tragic events surrounding Ed Gein, the infamous 1950s serial killer. Gein’s crimes inspired horror classics like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Rae, widely known as a social media star and actress, takes on a challenging role that blends mainstream celebrity appeal with the dark nuances of true-crime storytelling. The casting has sparked discussions about her suitability for such a psychologically intense part.

Fan Reactions

The tweet generated diverse responses on X:

• Positive: Fans praised Rae’s potential for awards recognition and her multifaceted career.
• Critical: Some questioned her acting abilities, debating the choice of a TikTok star in a true-crime series.
• Humorous/Mixed: Several users added light-hearted comments and GIFs, showing the viral potential of Rae’s first images.

The post also referenced a related tweet by @EVILSCRE4M, maintaining continuity in the online buzz.

Significance in Netflix Strategy

Monster: The Ed Gein Story is part of Netflix’s binge-worthy content strategy, aiming to capture audiences during the spooky season. By blending high-profile actors like Charlie Hunnam and social media stars like Rae, the series bridges mainstream entertainment with niche true-crime narratives.

FAQs

• Q1: When will Monster: The Ed Gein Story premiere?
  A1: The series is scheduled for October 3, 2025, on Netflix.
• Q2: Who plays Ed Gein in the series?
  A2: Charlie Hunnam portrays Ed Gein, with a supporting cast including Laurie Metcalf and Tom Hollander.
• Q3: What role does Addison Rae play?
  A3: Rae plays Evelyn Hartley, a victim in the Ed Gein story.
• Q4: Are the images official?
  A4: Yes, the images were released via @PopCrave and are the first official look at Rae’s role.
• Q5: Is this series based on real events?
  A5: Yes, it explores the true-crime story of Ed Gein, historically documented in the 1950s.

Conclusion

The @PopCrave tweet marks a pivotal promotional moment for Monster: The Ed Gein Story. By offering the first glimpse of Addison Rae as Evelyn Hartley, it highlights the dark, psychological depth of the series while generating online debate. This dual imagery underscores the contrast between vulnerability and everyday life, emphasizing the series’ historical and cinematic accuracy.

From an intellectual standpoint, Rae’s casting exemplifies a broader cultural trend: mainstream influencers entering serious, historically rooted narratives, blurring the lines between social media fame and traditional acting credibility. While fan reactions are divided, the tweet has already cemented its place in discussions about Netflix’s strategic content release, modern celebrity influence, and the continued fascination with true-crime storytelling.