Following his chilling portrayal in Netflix's breakout hit Monster: The Ed Gein Story, actor Charlie Hunnam is swiftly moving to his next major streaming project. The acclaimed performer, who brought the notorious serial killer to life in Ryan Murphy's disturbing drama, is now confirmed to headline Prime Video's highly anticipated adaptation of Ed Brubaker's Criminal comic series.
From Netflix Sensation to Prime Video Lead
Monster: The Ed Gein Story proved to be one of 2025's most talked-about streaming successes, rapidly climbing Netflix's viewing charts and earning viral fame. Much of this achievement was attributed to Hunnam's extraordinary performance as the real-life Butcher of Plainfield, which captivated audiences and critics alike. While fans eagerly await his return as Andrew Borden in the fourth instalment of the Monster series, the 45-year-old actor has secured another compelling role in the competitive streaming landscape.
Hunnam's Criminal Character Revealed
In Prime Video's Criminal, Hunnam will portray lead character Leo Patterson, a complex figure navigating the criminal underworld. Similar to his iconic role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, Hunnam will explore themes of crime and morality, though with significant differences. According to the source material, Leo is branded a "coward" by fellow criminals due to his cautious approach during robberies, preferring safety over risk.
The series will delve into Leo's background and his troubled relationship with his criminal father, examining the psychological factors behind his "flight" response to danger. Reports indicate that Criminal will adapt two storylines from the original comics: Coward and Lawless. The opening arc, Coward, follows Leo's involvement in a botched heist and his struggle to handle the perilous consequences that follow.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Hunnam
Hunnam won't be carrying the dramatic weight alone in this ensemble production. Game of Thrones legend Emilia Clarke has been confirmed to portray Mallory, described as an audacious and smooth armed robber. Clarke's character is reported to share a "Bonnie-and-Clyde" style romance with fellow criminal Ricky Lawless, who will be brought to screen by Law and Order: Organized Crime actor Gus Halper.
Meanwhile, the role of Tracy Lawless will be portrayed by musical icon Luke Evans, renowned for his performance as Gaston in the live-action Beauty and the Beast remake. Evans brings considerable dramatic pedigree to the project, with previous major roles including Dracula Untold, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Crossing Swords and The Pembrokeshire Murders.
What to Expect from the Adaptation
The second storyline, entitled Lawless, shifts focus more heavily to Tracy Lawless as he returns home in pursuit of vengeance and truth. This dual narrative approach promises to deliver a rich, multi-layered crime drama that explores different perspectives within the same criminal universe.
While an exact release date for Criminal hasn't been officially announced, industry insiders anticipate the series will launch sometime in 2026. The project represents another significant investment in original content by Prime Video as streaming services continue to compete for premium drama productions and A-list talent.
For Hunnam, this marks a strategic career move following his Netflix success, demonstrating his ability to transition between major streaming platforms while maintaining his status as a leading man in prestige television. The combination of his proven dramatic range with the star power of Clarke and Evans suggests Criminal could become one of 2026's most anticipated streaming releases.
