Horror maestro Stephen King has inspired countless spine-tingling adaptations, and the next to hit the big screen is The Monkey. Based on King’s 1980 short story, this twisted tale of terror is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on February 21, 2025—and it promises a wickedly entertaining blend of horror and dark humor.
At the heart of the film is a chilling premise: twin brothers stumble upon a sinister wind-up toy monkey, only to discover that each clatter of its cymbals signals another death. As they grow older, they think they’ve escaped its deadly grasp—until the monkey resurfaces, forcing them to confront the horrors of their past.
A Stellar Cast and Visionary Director
Bringing this eerie story to life is writer-director Osgood Perkins, known for his unsettling and atmospheric approach to horror (Longlegs, The Blackcoat’s Daughter). His knack for slow-burning dread combined with unexpected humor makes him the perfect fit for this King-inspired nightmare laced with macabre comedy.
The film boasts an impressive cast, featuring Theo James (The White Lotus), Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law), and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings).** With such a strong ensemble, The Monkey has the potential to deliver both gripping performances and genuine scares.
One of 2025’s First Major Horror Films
Distributed by NEON, The Monkey arrives early in the year (Februrary), making it one of 2025’s first major horror releases—a perfect way to shake off the post-holiday blues with a jolt of supernatural terror. The mix of King’s signature suspense, Perkins’ eerie direction, and a darkly comedic edge could make this one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.
Mark your calendars for February 21, 2025—because once The Monkey starts clapping, there’s no stopping what happens next.
Behind the Screams: Making “The Monkey”
From King’s Page to the Big Screen
Stephen King’s short story, “The Monkey,” first gripped readers in 1980. Now, over 40 years later, the tale of a cursed toy monkey is coming to life in a new horror comedy film. Osgood Perkins, known for his work on “Longlegs,” directs this adaptation. The film stars Theo James, playing twin brothers, along with Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood. Neon, the studio behind recent hits like “It Lives Inside,” is distributing the film in the US.
A Monkey with a New Beat
The movie takes a different approach from King’s original story. The cymbal-banging monkey has been replaced with a drum-playing one, likely due to copyright issues. More significantly, the film embraces a horror-comedy tone. Early reviews suggest a blend of scares and laughs, with some critics comparing it to “Looney Tunes carnage.” This shift in tone could broaden the film’s appeal beyond hardcore horror fans.
Meet the Cast
Theo James takes on the dual role of the twin brothers, a challenging part that allows him to explore different facets of his acting range. Tatiana Maslany, known for her powerful performances in “Orphan Black” and “She-Hulk,” brings her talent to the project. Elijah Wood, a veteran of genre films like “Maniac,” adds another layer of intrigue to the cast. The supporting cast includes Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy.
The Buzz Around “The Monkey”
The trailer for “The Monkey” has generated significant excitement online. It smashed records for independent horror films, racking up over 100 million views in just 72 hours. This impressive feat suggests a strong interest in the film and could translate into box office success. The film’s release date is set for February 21, 2025.
A Look at the Reviews
Early reviews for “The Monkey” are mostly positive. Critics have praised the performances, particularly Theo James’ dual portrayal, and the film’s inventive kills. The humor has also been a highlight for many, although some reviewers found the blend of comedy and horror to be uneven. Overall, the initial reactions suggest that “The Monkey” could be a crowd-pleaser.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Osgood Perkins |
| Cast | Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood |
| Release Date | February 21, 2025 (US) |
| Distribution | Neon |
| Genre | Horror Comedy |
The Future of “The Monkey”
With its release just around the corner, the future of “The Monkey” franchise remains uncertain. However, the strong trailer response and generally positive reviews bode well for the film’s prospects. If “The Monkey” performs well at the box office, sequels or spin-offs could be on the horizon. The film’s unique blend of horror and comedy offers plenty of room for expansion.
More Monkey Business: Other Stephen King Adaptations
“The Monkey” is just the latest in a long line of Stephen King adaptations. King’s works have proven to be a rich source material for filmmakers, resulting in numerous classic horror films. From “The Shining” to “It,” King’s stories have captivated audiences for decades. Recent adaptations like “Doctor Sleep” and “The Outsider” have also found success, demonstrating the enduring popularity of King’s writing. Fans eagerly anticipate each new adaptation, eager to see how their favorite stories will be brought to life on the screen. The success of “The Monkey” could further solidify King’s influence on the horror genre and pave the way for even more adaptations in the future. Other upcoming King adaptations include a new version of “Salem’s Lot” and a prequel to “Pet Sematary.”
Key Takeaways
- “The Monkey” arrives in theaters February 21, 2025 as a horror comedy adaptation of Stephen King’s work
- The film features a star-studded cast led by Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood
- Osgood Perkins both writes and directs this supernatural story for NEON
Background and Production
“The Monkey” represents a new adaptation from Stephen King’s acclaimed short story collection, bringing together established talents in horror filmmaking with a skilled cast for this R-rated feature.
Adaptation from Stephen King’s Works
“The Monkey” adapts the 1980 short story from King’s “Skeleton Crew” collection. The story centers on a cursed toy monkey with brass cymbals that brings death each time it clashes them together. Neon acquired the distribution rights in 2023, marking another addition to the growing list of King adaptations reaching theaters.
The project gained momentum after several previous attempts to adapt the story failed to materialize. This version secured a modest production budget between $10-11 million, positioning it as a focused horror project rather than a big-budget spectacle.
The Creative Team
Osgood Perkins leads the project as writer and director. His background in horror makes him a natural fit, having previously directed atmospheric chillers like “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and “Gretel & Hansel.”
The production team combines veteran producers including:
- James Wan (Atomic Monster)
- Michael Clear
- Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
- Chris Ferguson
Cast and Characters
Theo James takes the lead role, fresh off his acclaimed performance in “The White Lotus.” The supporting cast features:
- Tatiana Maslany
- Elijah Wood
- Christian Convery
- Colin O’Brien
- Rohan Campbell
- Sarah Levy
The cast brings together experienced actors from both television and film backgrounds. Principal photography wrapped in late 2024, with the film moving quickly through post-production to meet its February release date.
Release and Reception
The upcoming horror comedy film “The Monkey” is set for a theatrical launch through Neon on February 21, 2025, marking a significant addition to the early 2025 movie calendar.
Premiere and Theatrical Distribution
Neon secured the distribution rights for “The Monkey” and plans a wide theatrical release across the United States. The film will debut exclusively in cinemas on February 21, 2025.
The Stephen King adaptation joins several other major horror releases scheduled for early 2025. Theater chains expect strong audience interest due to the film’s unique blend of horror and comedy elements.
Digital and physical releases will follow later in 2025, including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.
Marketing and Promotions
The marketing campaign kicked off with teaser posters featuring the film’s haunting mechanical monkey prop. Neon has scheduled a full trailer release for late 2024.
The promotional strategy emphasizes the film’s star-studded cast, including Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood. Social media teasers highlight the movie’s blend of scares and dark humor.
Horror fan site Bloody Disgusting received exclusive behind-the-scenes content, building anticipation among genre enthusiasts.
Initial Critics and Audience Responses
Early test screening reactions point to positive audience engagement with the film’s unique tone. Preview audiences praised the performances of James and Maslany.
The movie’s practical effects and animatronic monkey received particular attention from horror fans. Social media buzz indicates strong interest in the film’s practical effects approach over CGI.
Industry analysts predict a strong opening weekend, citing the combination of Stephen King’s source material and director Osgood Perkins’ horror credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming horror film adaptation brings Stephen King’s story to life with a talented cast and theatrical release planned for early 2025.
What platforms is the movie available for streaming?
“The Monkey” will release exclusively in theaters on February 21, 2025. Streaming platform availability will be announced after the theatrical run.
Which actors are featured in the main cast of the upcoming film?
The cast features Theo James in the lead role. Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy round out the ensemble.
Is the film connected to any existing movie universes?
“The Monkey” stands as an independent film adaptation. It does not connect to any existing movie franchises or shared universes.
Can the storyline of the film be traced to a literary source?
The film adapts Stephen King’s short story “The Monkey.” The original tale appears in King’s short story collection.
What is the central premise of the new movie?
Details about the plot remain limited. The story stems from King’s horror narrative about a mysterious toy monkey with sinister powers.
When can viewers expect to see the trailer for the upcoming film?
The first official trailer for “The Monkey” has been released by NEON. Viewers can watch it on the film’s official website.
