Stephen King’s chilling narratives have long captivated audiences, and the upcoming film adaptation of his 1980 short story, “The Monkey,” is poised to continue this tradition. Set for release on February 21, 2025, this horror-comedy promises a blend of suspense and dark humor, bringing a fresh take to King’s classic tale.
The Monkey Movie Release Date
The Monkey is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on February 21, 2025. Distributed by Neon, the film has a runtime of 98 minutes, offering audiences a concise yet immersive experience.
The Monkey Movie Cast
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast:
- Theo James as Hal and Bill: James takes on the challenging dual role of twin brothers whose lives are intertwined with a sinister toy monkey.
- Christian Convery as young Hal and Bill: Portraying the twins in their youth, Convery adds depth to the characters’ backstory.
- Tatiana Maslany as Hal and Bill’s mother: Maslany brings her acclaimed acting prowess to the role of the twins’ supportive yet troubled mother.
- Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman: Wood plays a pivotal character whose involvement intensifies the unfolding mystery.
- Colin O’Brien as Petey: Depicting Hal’s son, O’Brien’s character becomes central to the narrative’s progression.
- Rohan Campbell and Sarah Levy: Both actors contribute significantly to the story, with Levy portraying the twins’ aunt.
Storyline
The narrative centers on twin brothers, Hal and Bill, who discover their father’s old toy monkey in the attic. Following this discovery, a series of gruesome deaths begins to occur around them. Believing the monkey to be cursed, the brothers dispose of it and eventually part ways. Years later, as adults, they are forced to reunite when the deadly occurrences resurface, compelling them to confront their past and the malevolent force tied to the toy.
Production
Directed and written by Osgood Perkins, known for his work on Gretel & Hansel and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, the film is produced by James Wan under his Atomic Monster banner, alongside Dave Caplan, Michael Clear, Chris Ferguson, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. Principal photography took place in Vancouver from February 5 to March 22, 2024, capturing the eerie and atmospheric visuals essential to the story.
Budget
The production budget for The Monkey is estimated between $10–11 million. This mid-range budget reflects a commitment to high-quality production values while maintaining financial prudence typical of horror-comedy films.
Anticipation
The film has generated significant buzz, especially with the release of a first-look teaser showcasing Theo James in a blood-drenched scene, hinting at the movie’s intense and suspenseful tone. Director Osgood Perkins has described the film as a blend of horror and comedy, where “people die in insane ways,” suggesting a unique take on King’s original story.
As the release date approaches, fans of Stephen King and horror enthusiasts alike eagerly await The Monkey, anticipating a film that delivers both scares and laughs in equal measure.