Key Points:
- The Monkey is a horror comedy adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, produced by James Wan and directed by Osgood Perkins.
- Despite sharing creative talent with The Conjuring Universe, there is no official confirmation linking the film to that franchise.
- Industry insiders suggest that while thematic echoes and stylistic nods exist, The Monkey stands alone as its own unique movie.
Is ‘The Monkey’ Connected to ‘The Conjuring’ Universe?
As theaters gear up for the February 21, 2025 release of The Monkey, horror fans and movie enthusiasts alike are abuzz with a burning question: Is this film connected to The Conjuring Universe? With a production team that includes legendary horror figure James Wan—the mastermind behind The Conjuring, Insidious, and Saw—the speculation is hard to ignore. Yet, despite the shared creative DNA, current evidence points to The Monkey being a standalone adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story rather than a direct spin-off of the Conjuring mythos.
The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, whose lives are forever changed when they discover a cursed toy monkey in their family attic—a toy that triggers a series of gruesome, inexplicable deaths. With a blend of dark humor and excessive gore, director Osgood Perkins transforms King’s eerie narrative into a movie that is as unpredictable as it is blood-soaked.
The Film’s Origins and Creative Lineage
At its core, The Monkey is an adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic short story, first published in Gallery magazine in 1980 and later included in the collection Skeleton Crew. The film reimagines the story with a modern twist, opting to replace the original cymbal-banging mechanism with a drum—a change inspired by rights issues involving Disney’s version of the toy seen in Toy Story 3. This creative decision not only sets the film apart visually but also imbues it with a unique, almost off-kilter personality.
Produced by James Wan through his company Atomic Monster and helmed by Osgood Perkins—whose previous film Longlegs garnered widespread acclaim—The Monkey promises to deliver relentless, inventive kills and a narrative that oscillates between tragedy and absurd comedy. Stars like Theo James, who portrays both adult versions of the twin brothers, and Tatiana Maslany, lending gravitas to the role of their mother, anchor the film with compelling performances. Supporting appearances by Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, and Sarah Levy further bolster its star power.
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The Conjuring Universe Connection
Given James Wan’s storied legacy with The Conjuring Universe—a franchise that has redefined modern horror—fans naturally wonder if The Monkey might serve as a hidden branch of that expansive world. However, industry insiders have been clear: despite Wan’s involvement, there is no official narrative tie linking The Monkey to the Conjuring storyline.
The Conjuring Universe, known for its meticulous case files of paranormal investigations led by Ed and Lorraine Warren (portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), has built a cohesive mythos across films such as The Conjuring, Annabelle, and The Nun. In contrast, The Monkey is firmly rooted in Stephen King’s literary universe—a separate, though equally influential, branch of horror storytelling. While Atomic Monster has produced both Conjuring-related films and this new adaptation, the mere association through production does not automatically extend its canonical ties.
Some fans point to potential Easter eggs or thematic overlaps—such as cursed objects and inexplicable supernatural phenomena—as hints of a shared universe. Yet, these elements are common tropes in the horror genre and can appear in unrelated films. For now, The Monkey should be viewed as a standalone horror comedy that pays homage to King’s original work rather than a chapter in the Conjuring saga.
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Latest Movie Updates: What the Experts Say
Recent commentary in industry publications reinforces the idea that The Monkey remains separate from the Conjuring narrative. In interviews, director Osgood Perkins has emphasized his intention to honor Stephen King’s vision while infusing the film with his signature blend of humor and gore. He notes that while he is proud to work with James Wan—a titan of horror—the film is not designed to function as a crossover event or a sequel within The Conjuring Universe.
Furthermore, producer James Wan has stated that his passion for King’s material and his commitment to delivering a memorable horror experience is his primary focus. Wan’s involvement has undoubtedly raised expectations, given his track record with hits like The Conjuring and M3GAN. However, his role as producer here is more about lending his creative credibility than about connecting the narrative to his earlier works.
Critics and fans on platforms like Reddit and Screen Rant have debated the possibility of a connection. One popular comment noted, “It’s not a Warner Bros production,” implying that without the official backing of the Conjuring’s home studio, a canonical link is unlikely. While some enthusiastic voices have called for cameo appearances by the Warrens or subtle nods to Conjuring lore, such ideas remain in the realm of fan theory rather than confirmed fact.
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The Stars of The Monkey
As speculation swirls, it’s important to look at the stellar cast that brings this horror comedy to life. Theo James, fresh from his acclaimed work in The White Lotus, carries the weight of dual roles as both Hal and Bill Shelburn. His performance is a study in contrast: Hal’s sensitive, haunted demeanor versus Bill’s volatile, reckless nature create a dynamic that is both engaging and tragic.
Tatiana Maslany, celebrated for her versatility in series like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, lends emotional depth to her role as the protective yet embattled mother of the twin brothers. Meanwhile, Elijah Wood—best known for his iconic role in The Lord of the Rings—brings a layer of mystery as Ted Hammerman, a character who adds further complications to the Shelburn family’s cursed legacy.
These celebrity names not only elevate the film’s marketability but also underscore its commitment to quality storytelling. Their involvement attracts attention from both horror aficionados and mainstream audiences, making The Monkey a highly anticipated movie in 2025.
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Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Challenges
Shooting on location in Vancouver between February and March 2024, The Monkey faced its own set of production challenges. Director Osgood Perkins had to balance homage to King’s dark narrative with a vision that was distinctly his own—a vision that oscillates between humor and horror. The film’s cinematography, led by Nico Aguilar, and its visceral sound design work together to create a palpable sense of dread that is punctuated by bursts of outrageous, almost cartoonish violence.
A key creative hurdle was reimagining the cursed toy’s mechanism. Originally, King’s story featured a cymbal-banging monkey; however, due to copyright concerns involving Disney’s iconic toy from Toy Story 3, the film opts for a drum-playing monkey instead. This change, as explained by Perkins in interviews, turned a potential limitation into an opportunity for fresh, original storytelling—one that highlights the absurdity of fate and the randomness of death.
Production companies such as Atomic Monster, Black Bear International, and C2 Motion Picture Group collaborated closely on this project. Their combined expertise, honed through previous successes like The Conjuring and Longlegs, ensured that The Monkey would meet the high expectations set by its creative pedigree—even if it ultimately chooses to chart its own course.
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Celebrity and Cultural Trends in Horror
In today’s cinematic landscape, horror movies often benefit from high-profile celebrity endorsements and cross-promotional marketing. With The Monkey, the involvement of James Wan and its connection to established horror franchises naturally draw comparisons to The Conjuring Universe. However, as cultural trends evolve, audiences have shown a growing appetite for standalone films that blend genres—especially those that mix horror with humor in unexpected ways.
The trend of adapting Stephen King’s work remains robust, with films like The Shining, It, and Misery having left indelible marks on both literature and cinema. The Monkey enters this arena with its own distinct flavor—balancing gruesome death scenes and over-the-top gore with a playful, almost satirical take on life and mortality. This approach resonates with modern audiences who appreciate films that challenge genre conventions and offer a unique viewing experience.
Celebrity endorsements, such as those from Theo James and Tatiana Maslany, further amplify its appeal. Their star power attracts not only horror enthusiasts but also a broader demographic interested in movies that push creative boundaries. As a result, The Monkey is poised to become a talking point in both mainstream media and niche horror communities.
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Final Thoughts: A Standalone Vision Amid Shared Influences
While the involvement of James Wan and Atomic Monster inevitably leads to speculation about ties to The Conjuring Universe, all current indicators suggest that The Monkey is not canonically linked to that franchise. Instead, it should be celebrated as a fresh, standalone horror comedy that pays tribute to Stephen King’s legacy while exploring its own themes of fate, family, and the inevitability of death.
The film’s production design, narrative twists, and star-studded cast serve to elevate it beyond mere imitation. Instead of borrowing from The Conjuring’s universe, The Monkey builds on the rich tradition of horror storytelling established by King himself. Its creative risks—such as the decision to swap cymbals for a drum—highlight a willingness to innovate, even within well-trodden genre conventions.
In essence, while The Monkey shares aesthetic and thematic DNA with the films that have defined modern horror, it remains a distinct cinematic experience. Its connection to The Conjuring Universe is more about shared creative heritage than a narrative crossover. For fans seeking a film that is both familiar and refreshingly new, The Monkey promises to deliver a rollercoaster of blood, laughs, and existential musings—all without the need to tie into an established universe.
The Monkey premieres in theaters on February 21, 2025, with streaming release details to be announced.
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