Monkey Man, originally set to stream on Netflix, took a surprising turn when Jordan Peele intervened and decided to give Dev Patel’s directorial debut a chance on the big screen. The shift in fate for this film left many intrigued as to how it went from being a $30M Netflix pick-up to finding a home in theaters.
At the Los Angeles premiere of Monkey Man, Dev Patel expressed his gratitude towards Jordan Peele for recognizing the potential in the film and taking it under his wing. Patel was impressed by Peele’s ability to see beyond conventional boundaries and identify the unique qualities in both the film and Patel himself. Peele, known for his groundbreaking work in genre filmmaking, saw Patel not just as an arthouse actor, but also as a gritty action star and filmmaker in the making.
Patel’s journey with Monkey Man was not without its challenges. Filming during the Covid pandemic tested his resilience as an actor, with Patel describing it as “the hardest acting I’ve ever done.” Despite facing setbacks like breaking his foot and hand during production, Patel remained dedicated to bringing his vision to life. He also faced personal losses, including the tragic passing of his gaffer from a heart attack. Through it all, Patel credits his mother for instilling in him the strength and discipline needed to navigate the obstacles in his path.
For Patel, Monkey Man represents a departure from the stereotypical roles often assigned to actors of Indian descent. He shared, “I haven’t seen someone such as myself expressed in this manner (on screen). Normally we’re given the roles of comedic relief: The guy who opens that laptop and hacks the mainframe type of thing.” With Monkey Man, Patel steps into a new role as both a filmmaker and an action star, challenging preconceived notions and showcasing a different side of his talent.
Following Peele’s intervention, Universal acquired Monkey Man for under $10M. The film is now poised to make its mark at the domestic box office, with expectations of an opening weekend around $12M. The journey of Monkey Man serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the ability to defy expectations in the world of filmmaking.
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