Stephen King’s ‘The Monkey’ Trailer Is So Shocking It Was Banned from TV—Here’s Why

Networks Rejected the Trailer for Being ‘Too Violent’

Stephen King adaptations have a long history of shocking audiences with gruesome content, and the upcoming horror film The Monkey is no exception. However, this particular adaptation has reached a new level of intensity—so much so that major TV networks outright refused to air its latest trailer. The rejected footage is reportedly so graphic that networks were concerned about how it would affect viewers, especially those watching during prime time. The violent scenes have raised questions about what constitutes acceptable content for TV, with networks becoming more cautious about airing films that may alienate their audience or spark controversy.

What Happened?

According to NEON, the film’s distributor, a television spot for The Monkey was submitted to the four major U.S. networks. The response? A flat-out rejection. The networks cited “excessive violence” as the reason, with one executive reportedly stating:

“The spot below would not be permitted in any programming.”

NEON took to social media to share the interactions, posting redacted emails documenting the rejection. They tweeted:

“We submitted a TV spot for THE MONKEY to the four major TV networks. It did not go well.”

One of the most damning responses reportedly stated that “every scene in the spot” contained content violating broadcast standards. Another executive called the trailer “too violent to air”, even under strict scheduling restrictions. Networks are becoming increasingly wary of content that may be perceived as overly disturbing, especially when it could lead to complaints or lower viewership.

Why Is the Trailer So Shocking?

While specific details about the banned footage remain undisclosed, previous trailers for The Monkey have already hinted at disturbing imagery, including:

• Graphic violence and gore – Blood-soaked sequences that rival classic horror films.
• Psychological horror elements – Creepy atmosphere and suspense-driven terror.
• A flaming baby scene – A particularly unsettling moment that shocked online viewers.

Given that Osgood Perkins, the director of The Monkey, previously helmed the critically acclaimed horror film Longlegs, this rejection only adds to the film’s mystique and anticipation. Perkins is known for his ability to disturb and unsettle with his storytelling. Fans who enjoyed his previous works are expecting even more horrifying imagery and a chilling atmosphere in this new film. With The Monkey, it seems Perkins is going for shock value, with scenes that are designed to stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.

Stephen King’s Legacy of Controversial Horror

Stephen King’s stories have a reputation for unsettling audiences, and many of his movie adaptations have sparked controversy in the past:

• IT (2017) – Featuring disturbing child murders and Pennywise’s terrifying transformations.
• Gerald’s Game (2017) – So intense that some viewers reportedly fainted during screenings.
• Pet Sematary (1989, 2019) – A harrowing exploration of grief, death, and resurrection.

We submitted a TV spot for THE MONKEY to the four major TV networks. It did not go well. pic.twitter.com/zN3EWLp34k

— NEON (@neonrated) January 29, 2025

For a Stephen King adaptation to be deemed too extreme for TV, it suggests a whole new level of fright. This is not just typical horror; this is psychological and physical terror combined in a way that makes audiences question their limits. King’s work often tests boundaries, and the latest film, The Monkey, appears to be no exception. It’s this edgy, boundary-pushing aspect that makes Stephen King’s stories so captivating to both fans and filmmakers alike.

Fans React: “This Is the Best Marketing You Could Ask For”

If the goal of the marketing campaign was to drum up interest, it certainly succeeded. Horror fans took to social media, expressing even more excitement about the film after hearing the news. Some of the best reactions include:

• “If they won’t show the trailer on TV, then I definitely NEED to see this movie.”
• “Neon is really the best in the game when it comes to film marketing.”
• “They did an amazing job hyping up Longlegs—this is next-level.”

It seems that by banning the trailer, the networks may have unintentionally given The Monkey even more publicity. The controversy surrounding the film’s rejection has sparked a flurry of conversations on social media, with fans urging each other to see the movie as soon as it is released. The ban has made the film a must-watch, as it has become the subject of curiosity. In today’s world, word-of-mouth and viral marketing can turn a film into an instant cultural phenomenon, and The Monkey seems poised to benefit from just that.

What’s The Monkey About?

For those unfamiliar with the source material, The Monkey is based on a 1980 Stephen King short story from his collection Skeleton Crew. The film follows twin brothers who stumble upon an old toy monkey in their attic. Soon after, a series of gruesome deaths begin to unfold—hinting that the toy may have a sinister connection to the murders.

The story delves into themes of family dynamics, dark secrets, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. King’s work often explores how ordinary objects or memories can become twisted and monstrous in the context of horror. The Monkey takes that concept to the extreme, with a seemingly innocuous toy transforming into an agent of chaos and destruction. This adaptation seems to emphasize the power of fear that lies dormant in childhood toys, turning them into vessels for horror.

Cast and Crew

The film boasts a strong cast, including:

• Theo James (The White Lotus, Divergent)
• Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Orphan Black)
• Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings, Come to Daddy)
• Sarah Levy (Schitt’s Creek)
• Osgood Perkins (I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House)—who not only directs but also stars in the film.

With a stacked cast and a director known for eerie storytelling, The Monkey is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror fans. The cast brings an impressive mix of experience and fresh faces to the screen, ensuring a well-rounded portrayal of both horror and suspense. Perkins’ involvement behind the scenes adds an additional layer of anticipation, as audiences anticipate his unique vision for King’s terrifying tale. The team behind this film is top-notch, and fans are eager to see how they bring King’s chilling world to life.

When Does The Monkey Come Out?

Horror enthusiasts won’t have to wait long—The Monkey is set to hit theaters on February 21, 2025.

If you’re a fan of intense horror movies, check out these Stephen King adaptations for more scares:

• Top 10 Scariest Stephen King Movies of All Time
• How IT Became One of the Highest-Grossing Horror Films Ever
• The True Story That Inspired Pet Sematary

Whether the networks approve or not, The Monkey is already making waves. And if the rejected trailer is any indication, audiences are in for a terrifying ride. The controversy surrounding its rejection only adds to its allure, with fans and critics alike eager to see what kind of horror it brings to the screen. The film is already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and it could become a major player in the horror genre.

Will You Be Watching The Monkey?

What do you think about the trailer being banned from TV? Do you believe it’s just a marketing strategy, or do you think it really is too intense for audiences?

📢 Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: NEON