Charlie Hunnam’s nearly 20-year relationship with Morgana McNelis comes with a surprisingly simple tradition. The actor says the couple likes to turn one of his projects into an all-day event at home. This time, they plan to repeat the ritual with Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Hunnam says the tradition gives them a rare chance to slow down together.
Charlie Hunnam reveals the unusual tradition he shares at home with longtime girlfriend Morgana McNelis
Hunnam shared the detail while speaking with E! News about his latest Monster role. He plays Andrew Borden, father of Lizzie Borden, in the upcoming Netflix installment. Last year, Hunnam and McNelis watched Monster: The Ed Gein Story together in a single day.
“We sat down and watched the whole thing in a day and binged it together,” Hunnam said. He remembered the experience as “a day to remember.” Now, the couple plans to do the same thing again. Hunnam said they will binge the new season together after it arrives on Netflix.
The upcoming chapter should feel different at home. This time, Hunnam plays one of the victims rather than taking on the central killer role. Netflix says Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premieres Sept. 17. Ella Beatty stars as Lizzie, while Rebecca Hall plays her stepmother, Abby Borden.
McNelis has also helped Hunnam create boundaries between his work and home life. He previously revealed that she gave him a “rules of engagement” conversation about a decade ago.
Her request was simple. Hunnam could immerse himself completely in a role, but he needed time to decompress before returning home emotionally drained. That rule became especially relevant during Monster: The Ed Gein Story. McNelis even asked Hunnam to stop using Gein’s voice at breakfast.
The actor has described that role as unusually difficult to shake. He previously said caring for rescue kittens while filming helped him step away from the dark material.
For Charlie Hunnam, the couple’s binge-watching tradition offers something much simpler than Hollywood glamour. It gives him and his longtime girlfriend a way to share his work once the job is finally over.