Following the success of his film "Longlegs," acclaimed writer/director Oz Perkins brings us another chilling adaptation from the master of horror, Stephen King. "The Monkey" features Theo James as twin brothers haunted by a sinister cymbal-smacking monkey toy. The film also stars Tatiana Maslany, known from "Orphan Black," Elijah Wood from "Lord of the Rings" and "Yellowjackets," and Adam Scott of "Severance," all entangled in the eerie narrative surrounding this cursed toy.
In his review for IGN, critic Tom Jorgenson praises "The Monkey" as "one of the best horror-comedies (and Stephen King adaptations) in recent memory, exploding off the screen with both gory kills and big laughs." It's a thrilling mix of horror and comedy that promises to captivate audiences.
If you're eager to experience "The Monkey," whether in theaters or through streaming, here's all the information you need:
How to Watch The Monkey - Showtimes and Streaming Release Date
The Monkey premiered in theaters on February 21. You can find showtimes at major theater chains like Fandango, AMC Theaters, Cinemark Theaters, and Regal Theaters.
The Monkey Streaming Release Date
The Monkey will eventually be available to stream on Hulu, thanks to a distribution agreement with Neon. Unlike the trend of movies going straight to streaming, Neon's releases, including Oz Perkins' previous film "Longlegs," typically take around seven months to reach Hulu. "Longlegs" hit theaters on July 12, 2024, and didn't stream on Hulu until February 14, 2025. Expect "The Monkey" to follow a similar timeline, with a potential streaming release on Hulu several months after its theatrical run. In the meantime, you may be able to rent or purchase the film on digital platforms like Prime Video by early May.
What Is The Monkey About?
Skeleton Crew: Stories
The movie is based on Stephen King's short story "The Monkey," originally published in 1980 and later revised for the 1985 collection "Skeleton Crew." The film's official synopsis reads:
"When twin brothers find a mysterious wind-up monkey, a series of outrageous deaths tear their family apart. Twenty-five years later, the monkey begins a new killing spree, forcing the estranged siblings to confront the cursed toy."
Does The Monkey Have a Post-Credits Scene?
While "The Monkey" does not have a traditional post-credits scene, there is a "surprise" worth sticking around for. To avoid spoilers, check out IGN's guide to The Monkey's ending for more details.
The Monkey Cast
Written and directed by Oz Perkins, "The Monkey" features a talented cast including:
- Theo James as Hal and Bill Shelburn
- Christian Convery as young Hal and Bill
- Tatiana Maslany as Lois Shelburn
- Colin O'Brien as Petey
- Rohan Campbell as Ricky
- Sarah Levy as Ida
- Adam Scott as Capt. Petey Shelburn
- Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman
- Osgood Perkins as Chip
- Danica Dreyer as Annie Wilkes
- Laura Mennell as Hal's ex-wife and Petey's mother
- Nicco Del Rio as Rookie Priest
The Monkey Rating and Runtime
"The Monkey" is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language throughout, and some sexual references. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
