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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.

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