Horror fans, prepare for a chilling and darkly comedic ride—The Monkey. The highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s short story is creeping toward its theatrical release on February 21st, 2025. Directed by Longlegs visionary Osgood Perkins and produced by horror maestro James Wan courtesy of The Conjuring and Saw, this film is already making history before it even hits the big screen.
NEON has just unveiled a brand-new poster, teasing the eerie presence of the film’s sinister wind-up toy. Coupled with the second official trailer, which has shattered records with over 109 million views in just 72 hours, The Monkey is setting itself up as a must-watch horror event.
A Killer Premise
Based on Stephen King’s 1980 short story, The Monkey follows twin brothers who discover an old, mechanical monkey only to realize that every time it claps its cymbals, someone dies. Years later, the estranged siblings must face the cursed toy once again as it embarks on a fresh spree of deadly chaos.
With that being said, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Theo James (Divergent), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings), Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy. With Perkins’ signature blend of psychological horror and unnerving storytelling, The Monkey promises a terrifying yet darkly humorous experience.
Breaking Records And Building Hype
In fact, the second trailer for The Monkey has become the most-watched trailer for a non-MPA independent horror film, surpassing hits like 2022’s Smile and Nosferatu. This viral success—particularly on platforms like TikTok—signals that the film is resonating with both die-hard horror fans and a new generation of thrill-seekers.
Early Reactions And Expectations
Initial reviews praise The Monkey for its over-the-top kills, sharp humor, and inventive scares. Osgood Perkins’ direction is earning acclaim for its ability to balance terror and wit. As a result, this adaptation one of the most exciting Stephen King projects in recent memory.
With a legendary author, a powerhouse creative team, and a killer concept, The Monkey is set to make waves in the horror landscape. Will it live up to the hype? We’ll find out when it hits theaters on February 21st, 2025. If you haven’t already, be sure to watch the record-breaking trailer now and check out the newly revealed poster below! Would you dare to wind up The Monkey? Let us know in the comments!
