Interview: Osgood Perkins Returns and Brings Theo James Along to Discuss the Personal Aspect of ‘The Monkey’

Osgood Perkins has become a master of horror, not just because of his mastery of the genre, but due to his mastery of tone as well. Longlegs was an exercise in mood and tension, some of 2024’s best filmmaking. Well, this year, he has The Monkey, which proves that he can do black comedy with the best of them. The carnage in the film is gory as hell, but also downright hilarious. It’s truly a flex here with this movie, showcasing just how talented he is. I previously spoke to Perkins here with his Longlegs star Maika Monroe. Today, he’s back, this time with The Monkey star Theo James along for the ride.

In my review of The Monkey (here), I had the following to say about Perkins this time around:

Filmmaker Osgood Perkins adapts Stephen King with a devilish glint in his eye. You’re in the hands of a master, one all too eager to make you laugh and to gross you out. If Longlegs showed that Perkins could unsettle and haunt your dreams, The Monkey shows that he can just as easily tickle your funny bone. The gore is somehow both brutal and hilarious, but never mean spirited. Perkins’ direction sets up the kills so amusingly, it never feels like torture porn or anything other than the random acts of life. Somehow, considering the blood and body count, this becomes an absolute romp.

Below, you can see my chat with James and Perkins. We have a real blast talking about this one, given that it’s such a fun movie, provided that you’re on its wavelength. I 100% am, which also makes it unsurprising that the flick is Perkins dealing with death and grief, something I’m all too familiar with. How he, armed with James and company, made it so amusing is quite the accomplishment. You’ll hear about his favorite kill, how it has an Itchy & Scratchy vibe (which delighted me), and much more. Plus, The Monkey is the best work of 2025 so far, so just make it your business to see it this weekend…

Here now is my interview with The Monkey filmmaker Osgood Perkins and star Theo James. Enjoy:

The Monkey is in theaters this weekend!