The Monkey, the 2025 horror film inspired by Stephen King’s 1980 short story, has quickly shattered box office expectations. Directed by Osgood Perkins, who previously made waves with his low-budget film Longlegs that grossed an impressive $136.9 million, The Monkey boasts a talented lineup featuring Theo James, Christian Convery, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Adam Scott, Sarah Levy, and Rohan Campbell. Perkins, who began his career in films like Psycho II and Legally Blonde, also stars in this latest project.
This chilling tale premiered in theaters on February 21 and has enjoyed remarkable financial success. Debuting at No. 2 with $14 million in its opening weekend—trailing only the Marvel blockbuster Captain America: Brave New World—the horror feature has since accumulated a global total of $64.1 million. Notably, This achievement officially makes The Monkey the highest-grossing horror film of 2025. It currently stands as the seventh highest-grossing movie overall this year, surpassing other big titles like Mickey 17 and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
The Monkey Marking a Milestone for Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s Filmography
Annie Wilkes: An Enduring Figure in King’s Legacy
With its impressive take of $64.1 million, The Monkey has now clinched the title of the highest-grossing Stephen King film featuring the iconic character Annie Wilkes. In this adaptation, Wilkes serves as a teenage babysitter for twins Hal and Bill Shelburn (portrayed by Christian Convery), whose lives are disrupted by a tragic incident at a hibachi restaurant. Traditionally recognized as the primary antagonist in 1990’s Misery, where her portrayal by Kathy Bates captured significant acclaim, Wilkes kidnapped the author Paul Sheldon (James Caan). That film garnered $61.3 million globally, and remains a classic.
As it stands, The Monkey ranks as the twelfth highest-grossing adaptation of a Stephen King story, outpacing several beloved titles, including Carrie (1976), Pet Sematary (1989), The Mist, Stand by Me, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption.
While Wilkes’ fate in The Monkey diverges from her original narrative, the film maintains a connection to Misery, reinforcing the recurring theme of character crossover in Stephen King’s body of work. Notably, many of King’s stories unfold in the fictional town of Castle Rock, establishing a rich tapestry of overlapped characters and settings, such as Ace Merrill and the infamous Overlook Hotel from The Shining.
Misery Remains a Defining Moment for Annie Wilkes
A Central Role in 1990’s Misery
Despite The Monkey’s box office success, Misery remains the quintessential film for Annie Wilkes, showcasing her as the film’s main antagonist. This 1990 adaptation, with a box office return tripling its $20 million production budget, holds a special place in Stephen King’s narrative universe. Notably, Kathy Bates’ portrayal of Wilkes won her an Academy Award, further solidifying the film’s legacy.