Charles Manson Documentary Was Inspired By Producer Meeting Killer's Grandson Jason Freeman

Charles Manson mugshot
Charles Manson mugshot. Reuters

Infamous murderer and cult leader Charles Manson died in November 2017, but Hollywood is hard at work making his ultimate dream of world-wide fame come true.

There are several film and television projects in development about Manson and his "family," a cult of men and women who worshipped his convoluted, LSD-fueled teachings. Each of them, despite their intentions, will likely help to ensure Manson remain a household name.

On Wednesday, Travel Channel host Zak Bagans told TMZ that he's executive producing a documentary about the killer. The film, tentatively titled Manson's Bloodline, was inspired by a meeting Bagans had with Manson's grandson, Jason Freeman, while filming Deadly Possessions, a Travel Channel program that follows people who buy or inherit objects from convicted murderers.

zak bagans manson
Zak Bagans from the television show, 'Ghost Adventures' arrives at the grand opening of the KISS by Monster Mini Golf amusement attraction on March 15, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

"Zak says he and Jason became friends," TMZ reported, "and he learned of Jason's desire to meet his grandfather face to face, so he wanted to document the quest to make it happen."

In December 2017, Reelz released a documentary by Buddy Day titled Charles Manson: The Final Words, based on Day's phone interviews with Manson, which occurred up until the killer died in prison. Day also interviewed most members of the Manson family, some of whom believed Manson had not received a free trial.

Charles Manson
Charles Manson talks during an interview August 25, 1989. Reuters

Quentin Tarantino's star-studded Manson film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood—which is reportedly pursuing Tom Cruise to play the man himself—is slated for an August 2019 release and has signed on Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Emily is a culture and entertainment writer living in Manhattan. Previously, she ran the culture section at Inverse and has been published in The Daily ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go