Originally penned in 1980, Stephen King’s short story “The Monkey”transports readers into a chilling narrative about two brothers who stumble upon a strange cymbal-clanging monkey toy hidden in their attic. However, the moment this mechanical creature begins to play, catastrophic events unfold—each chime heralding the demise of a loved one. This eerie premise echoes the themes of classic tales like “The Monkey’s Paw,”yet remains one of King’s lesser-known narratives that has not yet graced the screen.
As Stephen King, the esteemed Master of Horror, embarks on his sixth decade of prolific storytelling, his reputation continues to thrive. Film adaptations of his novels consistently dominate the box office, despite a few less successful outings. With an extensive portfolio encompassing novels, novellas, and short stories, Hollywood seems eager to tap into King’s rich creative reservoir. Excitingly, one of his more understated works is set for adaptation, featuring a talented cast that promises to elevate “The Monkey”into another box office success.
Latest News on Stephen King’s The Monkey
Oz Perkins Unveils Exclusive Clip
On December 25, 2024, Neon released an exclusive clip from “The Monkey,”heralded by director Oz Perkins. In this suspenseful scene, a woman, jolted awake by a noise in the night, ventures downstairs with her pistol to investigate, culminating in a terrifying moment in the basement. The clip offers a quick glimpse of the ominous monkey just before the lights go out, leading to her tragic fall. Perkins humorously breaks in to urge viewers to catch the film upon its release in February.
The gift that keeps on killing. A festive surprise from Osgood Perkins and The Monkey. 2.21.25. pic.twitter.com/SLexGlKxwj — NEON (@neonrated) December 25, 2024
Notably, Oz Perkins is the son of the legendary Anthony Perkins, further adding to the film’s allure.
Release Date for Stephen King’s The Monkey
Mark Your Calendars for 2025
With production completed, anticipation surrounding “The Monkey”is building rapidly. Scheduled for theatrical release on February 21, 2025, the film is likely to enjoy wide distribution given King’s immense popularity. However, its winter release hints that it may not aim for the blockbuster status typically associated with summer releases of King’s adaptations.
Cast of Stephen King’s The Monkey
Stellar Cast Featuring Theo James
While specifics about the entire cast remain undisclosed, the lead role is taken on by Theo James, who portrays twin brothers Hal and Bill. The cast also features renowned actors Elijah Wood and Tatiana Maslany, both of whom are playing undisclosed roles. Speculations suggest that Stephen King may even appear in a small cameo.
Confirmed cast members include:
| Actor | Role in The Monkey |
|---|---|
| Theo James | Hal/Bill |
| Christian Convery | Young Hal/Bill |
| Tatiana Maslany | Unknown |
| Elijah Wood | Unknown |
| Colin O’Brien | Unknown |
| Rohan Campbell | Unknown |
| Sarah Levy | Unknown |
Exploring the Story of Stephen King’s The Monkey
Adapting the Source Material
While details about significant deviations from the original story remain scarce, it is expected that the film will adhere closely to King’s narrative. He masterfully interweaves interpersonal conflict with supernatural fright, a dynamic sure to translate well under Oz Perkins’ direction. “The Monkey”revolves around twin brothers, Hal and Bill, who uncover a cursed cymbal-playing monkey toy that brings about the demise of their loved ones with each clang.
Similar to many of King’s tales, the surface narrative serves as a foundation for greater themes, with the parallels drawn to classic stories like “The Monkey’s Paw”intentionally relevant. Theo James faces a challenging role as he navigates the complex relationship dynamics of the brothers, leading to a critical conflict—one that Hal must overcome to thwart further supernatural chaos.
Trailer for Stephen King’s The Monkey
Catch the Trailers Here
In anticipation of the film’s 2025 debut, a teaser trailer was dropped in August 2024, building tension for this Stephen King adaptation. Spanning just 44 seconds, the clip showcases the foreboding drumming monkey set against a backdrop of unsettling carnival music. The trailer culminates with a striking image of Theo James’s character, visibly shaken and drenched in blood.
Following the cryptic hints of the initial teaser, a longer trailer surfaced in October 2024. This trailer, characterized by a jaunty rhythm, offers a glimpse into the horrific events that will unfold, while employing Oz Perkins’ distinctive cinematic style that juxtaposes symmetry with underlying madness.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jfTApWPX7I
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jfTApWPX7I
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