Following the acclaimed success of Longlegs, writer/director Oz Perkins is back with another chilling adaptation from Stephen King's vast collection. The Monkey stars Theo James as twin brothers tormented by a sinister cymbal-playing monkey toy. The film also features an impressive cast including Tatiana Maslany from Orphan Black, Elijah Wood of Lord of the Rings and Yellowjackets fame, and Adam Scott known for Severance, all drawn into the eerie world of the haunted toy.
In his review for IGN, critic Tom Jorgenson praises The Monkey as "one of the best horror-comedies (and Stephen King adaptations) in recent memory, exploding off the screen with both gory kills and big laughs." It seems this film strikes the perfect balance between horror and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
If you're eager to see The Monkey in theaters or curious about its streaming availability, here's everything you need to know.
How to Watch The Monkey - Showtimes and Streaming Release Date
The Monkey premiered in theaters on February 21. You can find showtimes at popular cinema chains like Fandango, AMC Theaters, Cinemark Theaters, and Regal Theaters.
The Monkey Streaming Release Date
The Monkey will eventually be available to stream on Hulu, thanks to a distribution deal with Neon, which secures Hulu the rights to their theatrical releases. Unlike the trend of immediate streaming availability, Neon’s films often take several months to reach the service. For instance, Perkins' previous film, Longlegs, hit theaters on July 12, 2024, and didn't arrive on Hulu until February 14, 2025—about seven months later. While you might need to wait a few months for The Monkey to appear on Hulu, you can expect it to be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video by early May.
What Is The Monkey About?
The Monkey is adapted from Stephen King's short story of the same name, first published in 1980 and later revised for his Skeleton Crew collection in 1985. The film's official synopsis reads:
When twin brothers discover a mysterious wind-up monkey, a series of bizarre deaths begins to unravel their family. Twenty-five years later, as the monkey reignites its deadly spree, the estranged siblings must confront the cursed toy once more.
Does The Monkey Have a Post-Credits Scene?
Although The Monkey does not feature a traditional post-credits scene, there is a "surprise" worth staying for. For more details without spoilers, check out IGN's guide to The Monkey’s ending.
The Monkey Cast
The Monkey is both written and directed by Oz Perkins. The film boasts a talented cast:
- Theo James as Hal and Bill Shelburn
- Christian Convery as young Hal and Bill
- Tatiana Maslany as Lois Shelburn
- Colin O'Brien as Petey
- Rohan Campbell as Ricky
- Sarah Levy as Ida
- Adam Scott as Capt. Petey Shelburn
- Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman
- Osgood Perkins as Chip
- Danica Dreyer as Annie Wilkes
- Laura Mennell as Hal's ex-wife and Petey's mother
- Nicco Del Rio as Rookie Priest
The Monkey Rating and Runtime
The Monkey is rated R for intense violent content, gore, pervasive language, and some sexual references. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, ensuring a tight and thrilling experience.