Movies - The Monkey: First Teaser Released for Osgood Perkins' Haunting Adaptation of Stephen King's Supernatural Horror Story

By Mulder, 12 august 2024

Title: Teaser Released for Osgood Perkins' Upcoming Supernatural Horror Film "The Monkey," Based on Stephen King's Short Story

The film industry is abuzz with excitement as the first teaser for The Monkey, a new supernatural horror film directed by Osgood Perkins, has been officially released. Set to hit theaters in the United States on February 21, 2025, the movie is based on Stephen King's eerie 1980 short story of the same name. The adaptation has garnered significant attention due to its stellar cast, including Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Christian Convery, as well as its production under the guidance of renowned horror filmmaker James Wan.

The Monkey centers on twin brothers Hal and Bill, who discover an old toy monkey in their father’s attic. What begins as a nostalgic find quickly turns into a nightmare as the toy triggers a series of inexplicable and horrifying deaths. The brothers, portrayed by Theo James, must confront the curse that has plagued their family for generations. In an attempt to escape the monkey's deadly grasp, they decide to part ways and try to lead separate lives. However, when the sinister killings resume, they are forced to reunite and embark on a perilous journey to destroy the cursed object once and for all.

The film has an impressive ensemble cast, with Theo James leading as the adult Hal and Bill. Christian Convery plays the younger versions of the twin brothers, adding depth to the haunting backstory. Tatiana Maslany, known for her versatile performances, joins the cast in an undisclosed role, along with Elijah Wood, who brings his own horror genre experience to the project. Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy round out the cast, contributing to the film's strong narrative foundation.

The road to bringing The Monkey to the big screen has been a long one. The project was first announced at the 2023 Cannes Film Market, where Black Bear Pictures revealed that they were developing the adaptation and seeking distribution partners. Osgood Perkins was brought on board to write and direct, a decision that was met with enthusiasm given his reputation for crafting atmospheric and psychological horror. James Wan, whose production company Atomic Monster has become synonymous with modern horror hits, joined the project as a producer, alongside Michael Clear, Dave Caplan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Chris Ferguson.

Principal photography for The Monkey began in Vancouver on February 5, 2024, and wrapped on March 22, 2024. The choice of location is fitting, as Vancouver's often moody and misty environment provides a perfect backdrop for the film’s chilling narrative. The production team worked meticulously to ensure that the film stays true to the unsettling tone of Stephen King's original story while also delivering a cinematic experience that will resonate with contemporary audiences.

The story of The Monkey has intrigued readers for decades. Originally published in 1980 as part of a booklet included in Gallery magazine, the story was later revised and included in Stephen King's 1985 collection Skeleton Crew. The narrative revolves around a malevolent cymbal-banging monkey toy that brings death to those around it each time it claps its mechanical cymbals. The protagonist, Hal, first encounters the monkey as a child and believes it to be responsible for a series of tragic deaths in his family. In the story's climax, Hal attempts to rid himself of the cursed toy by throwing it into Crystal Lake, only for the terror to resurface years later.

The Monkey marks the second collaboration between Osgood Perkins and Neon, following the release of Longlegs in 2024. Neon, known for distributing films that push the boundaries of genre and storytelling, won a competitive bidding war for the film’s domestic rights at the Marché du Film in May 2024. With the teaser now available, fans of Stephen King and horror enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the film's release.

The teaser, which can be viewed on YouTube, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the eerie world that Perkins and his team have created. It sets the stage for a terrifying cinematic experience, with haunting visuals and a sense of dread that builds with each frame. The teaser has already sparked discussions online, with many praising its atmospheric tension and the promise of a faithful adaptation of one of King's lesser-known but deeply unsettling stories.

As the release date approaches, The Monkey is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror films of 2025. With a talented cast, a director with a keen eye for horror, and the masterful storytelling of Stephen King as its foundation, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

Synopsis :
Twins Bill and Hal find an old toy of their father's in the attic, and a series of gruesome deaths begins...

The Monkey
Written and directed by Osgood Perkins
Based on The Monkey by Stephen King
Produced by James Wan, Michael Clear, Dave Caplan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Chris Ferguson
Starring  Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy
Production companies : Atomic Monster, Black Bear Pictures, Range Media Partners, Stars Collective Films, C2 Motion Picture Group, Oddfellows Entertainment
Distributed by Neon (United States), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release date : February 19, 2025 (France), February 21, 2025 (United States)