Dev Patel, known for his versatility from dramas like “Slumdog Millionaire” to period pieces like “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” is venturing into action with his directorial debut, “Monkey Man.” Originally announced in 2018, the R-rated film is set to release sooner than anticipated. Patel’s filmography spans from real-life dramas to fantasy epics, showcasing his diverse talent. “Monkey Man” promises brutal action, marking a new chapter in Patel’s career. Here’s everything we know about Dev Patel’s Monkey Man Release Date, Trailer, Plot, and more.
Monkey Man: Release Date
Indeed, Universal Pictures has scheduled the release of Monkey Man for April 5, 2024. The First Omen, a horror prequel from Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, will open against the film.
On March 11, 2024, the film will make its international premiere at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. The festival’s remarkable list of films, which also includes The Fall Guy, Roadhouse, The Idea of You, and Y2K, now includes Monkey Man.
Monkey Man: Cast
Dev Patel takes on the role of Kid in “Monkey Man,” portraying a mysterious fighter seeking revenge on those who wronged him in childhood. Known for his breakout role in “Slumdog Millionaire” and acclaimed performance in “Lion,” Patel has collaborated with renowned directors like Danny Boyle and M. Night Shyamalan. Joining him are co-stars Sharlto Copley and Vipa Sharma from “Chappie” and “Hotel Mumbai” respectively, along with a talented ensemble including Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, and Sikandar Kher.
Monkey Man: Plot
The official synopsis for Monkey Man reads:
Oscar® nominee Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
The Director
In addition to starring, Dev Patel makes his feature directorial debut with “Monkey Man,” which he also co-wrote and produced. His previous directing credits include the short films “Home Shopper” (2018) and “Roborovski” (2021). As a producer, Patel has worked on films like “Hotel Mumbai” and “The Wedding Guest,” along with the Oscar-nominated documentary “To Kill a Tiger.” Co-writing the script are Paul Angunawela and John Collee. The production boasts a stellar team including Jordan Peele, Jomon Thomas, Win Rosenfeld, and Basil Iwanyk among others. Sharone Meir handles cinematography while Kasra Rassoulzadegan, Tim Murrell, and Chris Gill manage editing duties.
Monkey Man: Trailer
On January 26, 2024, Universal unveiled the official trailer for “Monkey Man,” featuring “Beware Of The Boys (Mundian To Bach)” by Panjabi and Jay-Z. Clocking in at over three minutes, the trailer offers a glimpse of the film’s intense violence as the protagonist embarks on a vengeful journey filled with bloodshed.
On February 11, 2024, Universal aired a 30-second commercial for Monkey Man during Super Bowl LVIII. Dev Patel’s character is shown ascending an elevator in the teaser, and the voice-over declares, “One small ember can burn down everything.”
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