'The Monkey' Opens Strongly, Highest Horror Debut 2025

Stephen King's adaptation, 'The Monkey,' directed by Osgood Perkins and produced by James Wan, opened strongly at the U.S. box office, earning $14.2 million in its first weekend across 3,200 theaters. This marks the highest opening weekend for a horror film in 2025 so far, surpassing 'Wolf Man's' $10.8 million. The film, based on a 1985 short story, received a 77% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a C+ CinemaScore, indicating mixed audience reviews. Despite this, 'The Monkey' is Neon's second-biggest domestic debut after 'Longlegs.' Meanwhile, 'Captain America: Brave New World' topped the box office with $28.1 million in its second weekend, despite a significant 68% drop from its debut. These box office successes showcase the ongoing appeal of both horror and blockbuster superhero genres.