Actor Theo James discusses his new horror-comedy film “The Monkey,” where he plays twins who are haunted by a possessed music-making monkey toy. The film, directed by Osgood Perkins, is an adaptation of a Stephen King short story and combines elements of dark humor, existential conversations, and horror.
James explains that what drew him to the project was its unique blend of dark themes and humor, which allows viewers to tap into a deeper truth or sentimentality. He also praises Perkins’s writing style, saying it’s “hyper-realized” like a fusion of Robert Zemeckis’s style with the classic horror-comedy “Gremlins.”
Playing twins is a complex role for James, who wanted to capture the identical twin dynamic while still conveying their individual differences. He describes Hal as a “vague moral center” with a witty demeanor, while Bill is a more erratic and power-hungry character.
James also delves into the themes of horror as a comfort during difficult times, saying it can offer an interesting reflection of the cultural moment. The film’s portrayal of chaos and humanity’s loss of control resonates, he believes, as we navigate increasingly unpredictable global events.
Throughout the interview, James shares his fascination with the Jolly Chimp monkey toy, which he found creepy due to its unblinking eyes, lipless mouth, and teeth. He attributes his own childhood fear of similar toys to a primal connection with primates, highlighting their seemingly friendly nature but also their power and unpredictability.
With “The Monkey,” James has proven himself as an actor capable of handling diverse roles, from the stage to American television series like “Divergent” and “The Gentlemen.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/movies/theo-james-interview-the-monkey.html