Author Stephen King is one of the most adapted writers of all time, most certainly in the modern era. This has led to a number of classic films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Misery” alongside some stinkers like “Dreamcatcher” and that 2022 remake of “Firestarter.” But to give King credit, he hasn’t shied away from viewing these adaptations and giving thoughts.
He famously did not like Stanley Kubrick‘s “The Shining,” while heavily admiring what Frank Darabont did with “The Mist.” He also has some thoughts on the next movie hitting theaters based on one of his stories, and it’s safe to say he’s a fan of Osgood Perkins‘ (“Longlegs“) “The Monkey.”
As much as King is known for his lengthy tombs, he’s also a prolific short story writer. “The Monkey” was originally written for in 1980 for an edition of the magazine, Gallery. Most people would’ve been exposed to it though when it was collected with other stories for the 1985 compilation, “Skeleton Crew.” It’s suitably creepy and may make you think twice about owning any monkey toys that play cymbals.
That thing. If those eyes weren’t nightmare fuel already, then imagine when it starts clapping its symbols together and someone dies. Welcome to “The Monkey.” Perkins has given us fair warning that this movie is going to be an absolute gorefest. He’s said the movie will have a number of deaths that are played out in Rube Goldberg-like fashion. It sounds like it’s going to be ridiculous in the best possible way, and King himself testifies to that.
“You’ve never seen anything like THE MONKEY. It’s batshit insane,” King said on his Threads account. “As someone who has indulged in batshittery from time to time, I say that with admiration.”
That’s some high praise. It’s also nice to see King acknowledging his own degree of “batshittery” as he put it. If you’ve ever seen “Maximum Overdrive,” then you know exactly what he’s talking about. King does love a good degree of ridiculousness, and it seems like “The Monkey” is going to provide that in spades.
The film stars Theo James (“The Gentlemen“), Tatiana Maslany (“She–Hulk,” “Orphan Black“), Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings,” “The Toxic Avenger”), Colin O’Brien (“Wonka“), Rohan Campbell (“The Hardy Boys“), and Sarah Levy (“Schitt’s Creek“). James Wan produces.
“The Monkey” premieres hits theaters February 21st, 2025. You can watch the official red band trailer below:
