Menu
English

What Story Is 'The Monkey' Based On? Stephen King’s Chilling Tale Hits the Big Screen

Still from the film 'The Monkey'

A haunting blend of supernatural horror and family ties.

The upcoming horror film The Monkey, directed by Oz Perkins, is adapted from Stephen King's spine-chilling short story of the same name. Set to premiere on February 21, 2025, the movie brings one of King’s most unsettling tales to life, exploring the terror lurking behind an innocent-looking toy.

The Story Behind The Monkey

The film is based on Stephen King’s short story from his iconic collection Skeleton Crew. The plot follows twin brothers Hal and Bill, who discover their father’s old wind-up cymbal-banging monkey. Soon after, mysterious and deadly events begin to unfold. Years later, as inexplicable deaths resurface, the brothers reunite to confront the sinister force tied to the cursed toy. This terrifying narrative captures King’s signature blend of family trauma and supernatural dread.

Cast and Crew

The film boasts an impressive cast, with Theo James starring as both Hal and Bill, Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood in key roles, and Christian Convery portraying the twins in their youth. Directed by Oz Perkins (Gretel & Hansel, The Blackcoat’s Daughter), The Monkey promises a chilling and character-driven adaptation of King’s short story.

The Chilling Legacy of King's Short Story

Stephen King’s The Monkey is widely regarded as one of his most unnerving short stories, known for its exploration of childhood fears and family curses. It joins the ranks of King’s many short stories successfully adapted into films, offering a fresh but faithful take on the horror master’s literary legacy.

Prepare for terror and tension when The Monkey arrives on the big screen. Horror fans and Stephen King enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss this sinister adaptation, where every cymbal crash brings you closer to the darkness.

Deep Rising: The King Kong Prequel That Almost Kicked Off the Monsterverse Deep Rising: The King Kong Prequel That Almost Kicked Off the Monsterverse Read more 22 February 2026
Roger Ebert Got 2000s Thriller The Skulls Wrong — Here's Why It Deserves a Second Look Roger Ebert Got 2000s Thriller The Skulls Wrong — Here's Why It Deserves a Second Look Read more 22 February 2026
Wuthering Heights Still Reigns as New Releases Stumble in Sluggish Box Office Weekend Wuthering Heights Still Reigns as New Releases Stumble in Sluggish Box Office Weekend Read more 22 February 2026
Lucifer Is the Six-Season DC Dark Fantasy Binge Netflix Fans Can’t Resist Lucifer Is the Six-Season DC Dark Fantasy Binge Netflix Fans Can’t Resist Read more 22 February 2026
Stephen King Loves This Underrated Crime Thriller: Have You Seen It Yet? Stephen King Loves This Underrated Crime Thriller: Have You Seen It Yet? Read more 22 February 2026
Cross Season 2 Episode 5 Is Almost Here: Release Date, Time, and Where to Watch Cross Season 2 Episode 5 Is Almost Here: Release Date, Time, and Where to Watch Read more 22 February 2026
Don’t Miss Sistas Season 10 Episode 8: Release Date, Exact Time, And Where To Watch Don’t Miss Sistas Season 10 Episode 8: Release Date, Exact Time, And Where To Watch Read more 22 February 2026
Steven Spielberg's Overlooked Sci-Fi Thriller Is the Creepiest Show You Missed Steven Spielberg's Overlooked Sci-Fi Thriller Is the Creepiest Show You Missed Read more 22 February 2026
After 30 Years, Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' Moves Forward — But the 'Incredibles' Franchise Faces a Creative Shift After 30 Years, Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' Moves Forward — But the 'Incredibles' Franchise Faces a Creative Shift Read more 11 June 2025
Johnny Depp’s Personal Turmoil Disrupted Production of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Johnny Depp’s Personal Turmoil Disrupted Production of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Read more 11 June 2025
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Read more