Oz Perkin‘s “Longlegs” hasn’t even hit theaters yet, but NEON already wants to promote their next movie together. And that’s a sign that the distribution company expects big things from Perkin’s upcoming serial killer thriller. But before more “Longlegs” buzz, the scoop du jour: “The Monkey,” Perkin’s next horror film for NEON, will hit theaters next winter on February 21, 2025.
Based on a Stephen King story of the same name from the anthology Skeleton Crew, Theo James stars as twin brothers Hal and Bill, who stumble upon a cursed toy as kids that leads to a string of grisly deaths. Decades later, the estranged siblings reunite when more deaths occur, forcing them to get rid of the monkey doll for good.
“The Monkey” also stars Christian Convery as younger-aged Hal and Bill, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy. Along with directing, Perkins adapts King’s short story for the big screen. Horror maestro James Wan leads producers with Michael Clear, Dave Caplan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Chris Ferguson.
Perkins had already finished shooting The Monkey” before it hit the Cannes Market in May, where the film swiftly became one of the buzziest genre entries. It didn’t take long for NEON to swoop in on the project, which foretells they have high hopes for the imminent release of “Longlegs,” Perkin’s latest feature. That film stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent tasked with hunting down Nic Cage‘s serial killer, whose satanic and occult features may have a connection to her past. It hits theaters next month on July 12.
And if “Longleg” cleans up in theaters (and given the hype surrounding its new trailer, it very well might) expect NEON to give “The Monkey” the deluxe marketing treatment. And why shouldn’t they? Perkins is a horror director on the rise, Stephen King is a household name, and Theo James has rising star power after the success of “The White Lotus” Season 2 and “The Gentlemen.” That makes “The Monkey” a bankable horror movie for 2025, and its late winter theatrical release is a perfect spot for it to thrive.
Stay tuned for an official trailer for “The Monkey,” but in the meantime, feast your eyes on that latest trailer for “Longlegs,” one of the best horror previews in recent memory.