Dev Patel's Monkey Man Trailer Proves Jordan Peele Is Right To Save It From Netflix
A Jordan Peele and Dev Patel team-up isn't one we expected but based on the first trailer for "Monkey Man," it looks like a devilishly thrilling match.
After rising to prominence for his lead role in "Slumdog Millionaire," Patel starred in several movies like "Hotel Mumbai," "Chappie," and A24's "The Green Knight" — never shying away from taking gigs that break away from the stereotypical roles often allocated to South Asian men in Western cinema. Now he's making his directorial debut with the action-thriller "Monkey Man." Described as "'John Wick" in Mumbai," Netflix acquired the film for a cool $30 million. That was until Peele stepped into the ring. Known for directing "Us" and "Get Out," Peele is taking over the reins of this flick to give it a theatrical release via his Monkeypaw Productions label and Universal Pictures' distribution.
Filled with rich imagery and symbolism that plays with its Mumbai, India setting, "Monkey Man" is inspired by the Hindu deity Hanuman. Based on the trailer's footage, "Monkey Man" looks to be a visually astounding film. The film follows Patel's Kid, a traumatized man who makes a living fighting in Mumbai's seedy fight clubs. But soon he enters into a quest for revenge, going toe-to-toe with Mumbai's corrupt and nefarious elite. A unique setting, killer cast, and intense action sequences shown here make "Monkey Man" one of 2024's most anticipated releases.
Monkey Man has big action franchise potential
Since 2018, Patel has been hard at work on "Monkey Man." The actor-turned-director crafted the film's story and co-wrote the picture alongside Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Having Jordan Peele hop on as producer to give the film a theatrical release — as opposed to a straight-to-streaming release — is a major win for Patel's directorial debut.
So far, fans love Patel's gritty and mythical vision of Mumbai: a city of contrasts, corruption, and crime. Peele's decision to take the film from Netflix seems like a brilliant move for Patel's career, as it also opens the star to be eligible for awards show consideration and gives the film a fighting chance to find its audience. Sadly, Netflix films are often dropped on the service with little to no ceremony. But based on its blood-pumping action sequences, "Monkey Man" genuinely has what it takes to become a box office success story, similar to this year's Jason Statham-starring film "Beekeeper." If action diehard fans show up for it, "Monkey Man" has what it takes to become a bonafide franchise.
But beyond that, it's great to see an Indian cast truly shine in a big-screen production. "Monkey Man" features heavy hitters like Sobhita Dhulipala, who stars in Prime Video's "Made in Heaven" — one of the best international offerings from the streamer.
Peele and Patel's "Monkey Man" hits cinemas on April 5, 2024.