A new Hulu true crime documentary premiering on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, chronicles a filmmaker's shocking discovery that she is the biological granddaughter of notorious cult leader Charles Manson.
Co-directed by Sophia Maddox and Alexandra Orton, the film titled "My Grandfather Charles Manson" explores an unknown branch of the infamous killer's family tree.
The project delves into the resulting strain on Maddox's relationship with her father, Daniel Arguelles, who bears a striking physical resemblance to Manson.
Produced by SMUGGLER Entertainment and Joan of Arc Pictures, the documentary utilizes Maddox's genetics to unlock never-before-released records and exclusive audio recordings.
These materials illuminate Manson's pathology while tracing his life through an underworld of Manson family members.
Manson became one of America's most notorious criminals after orchestrating a series of murders in Los Angeles in 1969, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
He died in prison in 2017 at age 83.
Emotional Toll on Family
According to a report from People published on Thursday, July 9, promotional materials outline the emotional toll of the revelation on the filmmaker's family dynamic.
"The more Sophia uncovers, the more her relationship with her father is strained," the synopsis states, per the publication.
The promotional text further details the central conflict as the filmmaker faces her unexpected lineage.
"For Sophia, there's no turning back. What has she inherited, and how will she reckon with her family legacy?"
the synopsis states, per the publication.
Maddox began documenting her journey immediately after the DNA results exposed her biological connection to the cult leader as a mechanism to cope with the reality of her lineage.
"After I learned Charles Manson was my grandfather through a DNA test, I started filming myself because I didn't know how else to cope with the news," explained Maddox.
The filmmaker indicated that the scope of the project expanded from personal catharsis into a broader examination of familial trauma and identity.
"What began as a way to process a shocking family discovery became a deeper investigation into generational trauma, identity, and whether we're destined to repeat the stories we inherit," Maddox continued.
Maddox expressed hope that the documentary would offer a universal message about overcoming personal history.
"Ultimately, I hope the film reminds people that while we can't choose where we come from, we can choose what we do with that history," Maddox concluded.
The documentary will be available on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the United States, as well as on Disney+ internationally.
