Dev Patel, both director and star of Monkey Man, revealed how filmmaker Jordan Peele facilitated the transition of the movie from Netflix to theaters. Monkey Man, Patel’s directorial debut, centers around a mysterious protagonist called “Kid” seeking vengeance against corrupt figures responsible for his mother’s death. Described as “John Wick in Mumbai,” the film initially started as a Netflix production but is now slated for a theatrical release, all thanks to the involvement of Peele.
During an interview at SXSW premiere of Monkey Man, Patel elaborates on Peele’s impact on the film’s journey. The actor-director reveals that Peele, credited as a producer, personally reached out after viewing the action thriller. Patel recounts the moment when his agents informed him of Peele’s interest and their subsequent three-hour Zoom conversation, during which he recognized Peele as an invaluable collaborator.
Patel acknowledges Peele’s pivotal role in revitalizing the project, likening it to a Hollywood moment where Peele “picked this film up off the floor, dusted it off, and put it back on the mantelpiece.” He expresses deep gratitude towards Peele for his intervention.
Dev Patel on Jordan Peele acquiring ‘Monkey Man’ under Monkeypaw Productions, instead of going to Netflix:
“The film was sitting on the floor and he picked it up, he brushed the dust off and was there for the final leg to give us the release we deserve”. pic.twitter.com/uo3ff2tbBc
— best of director dev patel (@bestofpatel) March 13, 2024
Jordan Peele at the event shared, “Monkey Man is the perfect fit for Monkeypaw Productions. This is a movie that has all the things that we love. It’s got meaning. It’s got grace. It’s a beautiful film. And it also has Dev Patel kicking butt throughout the entire film and being awesome. It’s a new vibe. This is a movie that just has to be seen in a theatre with a big, boisterous crowd. Films are capable of being anything, as this film demonstrates. You still can kick a lot of people in the process of making a movie that tells an incredible tale with depth, meaning, and purpose.”
Monkey Man, slated for release in 2024, follows “Kid,” recently released from prison, who navigates an underground world of anonymous fights while seeking retribution against those who ruined his life. As he delves into the upper echelons of society, Kid confronts corruption and greed plaguing his city.
