Stephen King’s ‘The Monkey’ Haunts Theaters This February

LOS ANGELES, CA — Horror icon Stephen King returns to theaters with the release of ‘The Monkey,’ a film adaptation of his 1980 short story. Set to premiere on February 21, 2025, the movie, directed by Osgood Perkins, promises a blend of horror and dark humor as it tells the story of twin brothers confronting a deadly childhood toy.

The premise revolves around a sinister wind-up monkey whose clanging cymbals signal a death. Although it seems the brothers have escaped its terror, the monkey re-emerges in their adult lives, forcing them to face their haunted past. Perkins, known for his chilling films such as ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter,’ aims to deliver a unique approach by infusing humor into the horror genre.

The film stars Theo James as one of the twin brothers, alongside acclaimed actors Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood. James, celebrated for his versatile performances, takes on a dual role, which allows him to showcase his acting range. ‘Tatiana’s talent and Elijah’s genre experience complement the chilling narrative, making this film an engaging watch,’ Perkins noted in a recent interview.

‘The Monkey’ is distributed by NEON, the studio behind hits like ‘It Lives Inside.’ As one of the first major horror releases of 2025, it arrives just in time to captivate audiences looking for post-holiday thrills. The chilling story is expected to appeal to a wide audience, especially with previews showing a fascinating blend of comedic elements.

Intriguingly, changes have been made from King’s original story, including a switch from a cymbal-banging monkey to a drum-playing one to avoid copyright issues. Critics anticipate that the mix of laughs and scares will broaden its appeal beyond traditional horror fans, with early reviews suggesting the film could mirror the chaotic fun of ‘Looney Tunes carnage.’

NEON shared that the first official trailer for ‘The Monkey’ garnered over 100 million views in just 72 hours, breaking records for independent horror films. The response indicates significant public interest ahead of its release. Perkins hopes the film’s reception will not only entertain but also pave the way for sequels or spin-offs, should it perform well at the box office.

The success of ‘The Monkey’ could cement the ongoing trend of adapting Stephen King’s works for the screen, a pattern that has seen numerous classics emerge since the debut of ‘Carrie‘ in 1976. Fans of King’s writing continue to seek adaptations that bring his haunting tales to life, further solidifying his influence on the horror genre. With other upcoming adaptations, such as ‘Salem's Lot,’ the anticipation for ‘The Monkey’ builds as its release date approaches.

As the film gears up for its theatrical debut, the marketing campaign is focusing on engaging horror enthusiasts through teasers and social media. NEON plans a comprehensive promotional strategy that emphasizes the star-studded cast and the film’s whimsical yet spooky elements.

In conclusion, horror fans are marking February 21, 2025, on their calendars as the day Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Monkey’ hits theaters, ready to deliver thrills and laughter in equal measure.