The Monkey and Longlegs director Osgood Perkins explains how his horror movie success has “changed everything and nothing” about his future plans. Perkins’ latest two horror movies have been critically and commercially successful, with Longlegs being hailed as one of the scariest movies of 2024. The Monkey reviews have been positive toward the horror-comedy as well, which has scored $14.2 million at its opening weekend box office against an $11 million budget. With Longlegs previously earning $126.9 million against a less than $10 million budget, Perkins is becoming a highly recognizable name in the horror genre.
Speaking with Variety, however, Perkins explained that the success of The Monkey and Longlegs doesn’t mean his approach to filmmaking is going to be changing. The director said he has no interest in making big-budget video game adaptations or superhero films, instead deciding to focus on creating more of what he likes to make, “but just made better.” Check out what Perkins had to say below:
It’s changed everything and nothing. It’s given me confidence, but it’s not like I’m going to run off and make a video game movie or an X-Men movie. I don’t think anybody wants that. You can probably just expect more of the same from me, but just made better.
What Perkins’ Statement Means For His Future Movie Plans
The Director Is Sticking With His Horror Roots
Perkins directed three horror movies before Longlegs, those being The Blackcoat’s Daughter in 2015, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House in 2016, and Gretel & Hansel in 2020. While these films received mixed-to-positive reviews, it wasn’t until his 2024 movie that he was recognized for his directorial and writing skills in the genre. The end of The Monkey features a post-credits scene teasing his next movie, Keeper, which is scheduled for release on October 3, 2025. Since it will be another horror movie, it seems the creative has found his niche.
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Osgood Perkins has made a name for himself in horror with his deep themes and penchant for strikingly imaginative visuals as a director.
His statement reflects how some filmmakers with successful movies go on to produce big-budget films for various studios. A recent example is Julius Onah, who directed 2019’s award-winning social thriller Luce, being tapped for Captain America: Brave New World. The practice of pulling successful filmmakers onto tentpole projects isn’t anything new, but clearly something Perkins wants to avoid for his career. Since there are plenty of highly-anticipated horror movies coming in 2025, the director sticking to what he knows makes sense, especially because his quick output signals he has plenty of ideas.
Perkins also wrote the movies Removal, Cold Comes at Night, and The Girl in the Photographs.
Our Take On Perkins’ Commitment To Making More Horror Movies
A Positive Sign For His Upcoming Film Plans
Because Perkins remains dedicated to making more horror movies, the filmmaker doesn’t seem to be altering any of his plans because of The Monkey and Longlegs‘ success. The Keeper can prove this by continuing to reflect the many horror elements of his previous films, but with more polish as he continues making a name for himself within the genre. Since he clearly doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon, more terrifying ideas are likely in store as he keeps making new movies.
Source: Variety
The Monkey
6/10
- Release Date
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February 19, 2025
- Runtime
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98 Minutes
- Director
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Osgood Perkins
- Writers
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Osgood Perkins
- Producers
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John Rickard, Natalia Safran, Ali Jazayeri, Chris Ferguson, Fred Berger, Giuliana Bertuzzi, James Wan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, John Friedberg, Jason Cloth, David Gendron, Michael Clear, Jesse Savath, Peter Luo, Dave Caplan