On February 27, Russian cinemas will premiere the horror film The Monkey, based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name. However, during the adaptation process, director Oz Perkins made a significant change influenced by Disney and its animated film Toy Story 3.
In King’s original story, the central element of the plot is a wind-up toy — a cymbal-clapping monkey that brings misfortune to its owners. However, a similar character already appears in Toy Story 3, and Disney owns the rights to its likeness. That’s how copyright law works.
Facing this issue, Perkins decided to replace the cymbals with a drum to avoid paying compensation to the 'mouse' studio. The director noted that this restriction became a creative opportunity: "What if it had drums instead?"
Thus, in The Monkey, the eerie toy now uses a drum instead of cymbals, ominously foreshadowing tragic events with its rhythmic beats. This change not only circumvented legal obstacles but also added a fresh dynamic to the film’s atmosphere.
Early reviews from critics have been positive, praising the film for its successful blend of horror and comedic elements, as well as its stylish execution. Don’t miss the chance to experience this new adaptation of Stephen King’s work in the coming days — it seems to be a worthy addition to his cinematic legacy.
