Overview
- Stephen King’s literary works have inspired a plethora of iconic horror film adaptations over the past four decades.
- The upcoming film, The Monkey, based on a short story by King, has shattered records for trailer views among independent horror titles.
- Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film features actors Theo James and Tatiana Maslany, with a scheduled theatrical release on February 21, 2025.
For fans of the horror genre, Stephen King’s extensive repertoire of thrilling narratives is well-known. Regarded as one of the foremost authors globally, King has penned numerous stories that have successfully transitioned to both film and television. His remarkable talent lies in crafting relatable themes paired with deeply developed characters. King’s signature horror style is evidenced in classics such as Misery, IT, The Shining, and Carrie, making his stories a frequent choice for adaptation by aspiring filmmakers.
Many of King’s works have carved a significant place in cinema history, with unforgettable scenes like Jack Torrance’s menacing ax-wielding pursuit of Danny in The Shining. For over forty years, audiences have been spellbound by the film adaptations of King’s novels and stories. Excitingly, this trend continues with the imminent release of his short story adaptation, The Monkey.
Trailblazing Records with The Monkey‘s Trailer
According to a report by Deadline, the trailer for The Monkey has set remarkable viewing milestones, amassing over 109 million views across multiple platforms. Notably, within just 24 hours post-release, the trailer garnered more than 43 million views. This rapid engagement culminated in exceeding 100 million views within 72 hours, establishing a new record for independent horror films distributed by a non-MPA studio. The previous record-holder, Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, had achieved 146 million global views for its trailer, whereas The Monkey outperformed the equally anticipated horror film Nosferatu, which recorded 74 million views.
Loosely based on King’s 1980 short story, The Monkey revolves around twin brothers, Hal and Bill, who stumble upon an unsettling toy monkey in their attic, leading to horrific tragedies within their family. With Osgood Perkins at the helm, known for his work on Longlegs, and starring renowned actors including Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and a potential cameo by Stephen King himself, this adaptation is already receiving favorable reviews from critics eager to experience its chilling narrative.
Stephen King has expressed enthusiasm regarding this adaptation, labeling it “batsh*t insane”and “admirable, ”which suggests a promising response for Osgood Perkins’ interpretation of this chilling tale.Mark your calendars: The Monkey hits theaters on February 21, 2025.
Source: Deadline
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