Neon has unveiled a sneak peek of director Osgood Perkins' upcoming project, 'The Monkey,' riding on the success of their recent film 'Longlegs.' The teaser trailer for 'The Monkey' was released by Neon, offering a glimpse into the horror movie set to premiere in theaters on Feb. 21, 2025. The trailer features Theo James in a leading role, supported by a talented cast including Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and others.
In the teaser, a toy monkey playing a snare drum is abruptly drenched in blood, setting a chilling tone for the film. Accompanied by carnival-style music, the video hints at a dark and mysterious storyline. 'The Monkey' follows twins Bill and Hal, both portrayed by James, as they unravel a series of gruesome events triggered by their father's monkey toy found in the attic.
The movie is based on a Stephen King short story from 1980 and is written and directed by Osgood Perkins. The production team includes notable names such as Dave Caplan, Michael Clear, and James Wan as producers. Theo James, known for his recent roles in 'The Gentlemen' and 'The White Lotus,' takes on a challenging dual role in 'The Monkey.'
Osgood Perkins, fresh off the success of 'Longlegs,' described 'The Monkey' as a departure from his usual style, leaning towards a more comedic approach. In an interview, Perkins shared his vision of infusing humor into the narrative of death, drawing inspiration from classic comedy-horror films. He emphasized the absurdity and surreal nature of mortality, shaping 'The Monkey' into a tragicomedy that explores the theme of mortality in a unique way.
'The Monkey' promises a fresh take on the haunted toy subgenre, steering clear of a serious tone in favor of a more light-hearted and quirky perspective. Perkins' intention to inject wit and satire into the storyline reflects his innovative approach to storytelling, aiming to deliver a film that blends humor with horror seamlessly.
