Stephen King, the legendary author behind some of the most iconic horror stories in history, has once again proven why he’s a master of suspense. With a career spanning decades and countless adaptations of his work, King’s stories have captivated audiences worldwide. Now, his latest adaptation, The Monkey, is already making waves—before it’s even hit theaters.
Directed by Osgood Perkins of Longlegs, The Monkey breathes life into King’s 1980 short story about a murderous toy monkey. The film stars Theo James (Divergent), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings), promising a thrilling blend of talent and terror. Set to release on February 21st, 2025, the horror-comedy has already broken records . As a result, it’s generated massive anticipation, positioning it as a standout entry in King’s legacy of adaptations.
A Record-Breaking Trailer
The Monkey’s second trailer has taken the internet by storm. In just its first 24 hours, the trailer amassed 43 million views across platforms, climbing to an astonishing 109 million views within 72 hours. This unprecedented feat makes The Monkey the most-watched trailer for a non-MPA independent horror film, surpassing the likes of Smile (2022) and Nosferatu. The viral success of the trailer, particularly on TikTok, hints at the film’s potential to draw younger audiences into King’s chilling universe.
Early reviews for The Monkey are glowing, with critics praising its over-the-top kills, dark humor, and unique narrative. Osgood Perkins’ direction reportedly strikes a balance between horror and comedy, delivering a fresh take on King’s work. If audience reactions mirror critics’ enthusiasm, the film could benefit from strong word-of-mouth buzz, a critical factor for box office success in today’s challenging theatrical landscape.
A Modest Budget With Big Potential
With an estimated budget of $10 million, The Monkey follows the horror genre’s tradition of delivering high-impact films on relatively low investments. To be profitable, the film needs to earn between $20 million and $25 million—a goal that seems achievable given its early momentum. The combination of King’s enduring fan base, the film’s star-studded cast, and its record-breaking trailer views could translate to a strong opening weekend, setting the stage for box office success.
Stephen King’s Long-Lasting Legacy
King’s works have a storied history of adaptations, from Carrie (1976) and The Shining (1980) to modern hits like It (2017). While not all adaptations have been critical or commercial successes, the enduring appeal of his stories keeps filmmakers returning to his extensive library. Recent adaptations have struggled to make a significant impact, with only The Boogeyman (2023) finding moderate success. However, The Monkey appears set to reverse this trend, combining King’s signature horror with a fresh cinematic approach.
Why The Monkey Matters
The Monkey isn’t just another Stephen King adaptation—it’s a testament to the staying power of his storytelling. The film’s ability to generate unprecedented buzz highlights the continued relevance of King’s work in an evolving entertainment landscape. Whether it’s the promise of a chilling narrative, the draw of a talented cast, or the excitement of seeing another King classic brought to life, The Monkey has already cemented itself as one of 2025’s most anticipated films.
As February 21 approaches, fans and newcomers alike will be eager to see if The Monkey lives up to its record-breaking hype. One thing is certain: Stephen King’s reign as the king of horror is far from over.