Monkey Man, Dev Patel’s feature directorial debut, was initially slated to premiere on Netflix. However, Jordan Peele saw its potential and decided to release it in theaters instead. During the Los Angeles premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Patel expressed his gratitude towards Peele for bringing their project into the spotlight. Peele’s keen eye for talent and storytelling not only elevated Monkey Man but also reshaped Patel’s career trajectory.
Netflix’s decision to pass on Monkey Man due to its gritty nature for the Indian market set off a chain of events that led to its theatrical release. After being quietly shopped around, Bron Studios, the movie’s co-financier, faced bankruptcy, causing a delay in finding a new distributor. It wasn’t until Peele stepped in and rescued the film that Monkey Man found its rightful place on the big screen.
Patel emphasized Peele’s ability to break free from conventional labels and stereotypes. Peele saw beyond Patel’s previous work in arthouse films and recognized his potential as a gritty action star and filmmaker. Through Monkey Man, both Patel and Peele were able to defy industry norms and showcase a new side of themselves that hadn’t been explored before. This collaboration allowed them to delve into societal issues and meaningful themes through the lens of genre filmmaking.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, Patel pushed through the difficulties to bring Monkey Man to life. He endured physical injuries, such as breaking his foot and hand during production, and even tragically lost a crew member to a heart attack. Patel’s resilience and determination, fueled by his mother’s influence and martial arts background, allowed him to overcome these challenges and deliver a compelling action film.
Universal Pictures recognized the potential of Monkey Man and acquired the rights to the film for under $10 million. With expectations to open at around $12 million in its opening weekend at the domestic box office, Monkey Man is poised to make a significant impact on audiences. The journey of this film, from its humble beginnings to its theatrical release, is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved in its creation.