‘Primate’ Brings Its Killer Monkey Horror Home With a New Behind-the-Scenes Look [Exclusive]

2 days ago 5

Johnny Sequoyah looks off camera and screams in 'Primate'

Published Feb 9, 2026, 12:15 PM EST

Britta DeVore is a Senior Author for Collider who has been known to dabble with Reality News as well.

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Monkeys have long been a source of cinematic terror. From classics that have become household names like King Kong to the smaller and more silent killers in films like George A. Romero’s Monkey Shines and Jordan Peele’s Nope, the species has captivated screenwriters and directors alike for decades. Kicking off the year in a brutal and animalistic fashion, the world was introduced to a man’s best friend-turned-biggest enemy when Johannes Roberts unleashed Primate onto the world in early January. Now, one month later, the movie is stepping out of the jungle and into a living room near you when the title arrives on digital on February 10, followed by a physical release on DVD and Blu-ray on April 21. In addition to the feature, the latter will come with tons of bonus material, including commentary from Roberts, featurettes, and the creative design that brought Ben the monkey to terrifying life. Today, in support of the movie’s move from big screen to small, Collider is excited to unveil an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the creature feature.

Breaking down one of the things that makes Primate stand out against other genre films, members of the cast and production team talk about the incredibly important role of Adam, which was played by Oscar-recipient Troy Kotsur. Both the actor and his character are deaf, making Adam’s scenes particularly unsettling. As the film’s star, Johnny Sequoyah, explains, the tension builds as her characters and others are attacked by the family’s once beloved chimpanzee, Ben, while, in one room over, Adam has no idea what’s happening. Beyond grateful for the experience, Kotsur also comments on what it was like working alongside filmmaker Johannes Roberts.

Primate follows college student Lucy (Sequoyah), who, along with two friends, sets off to return to her home in Hawaii after numerous years away. Upon their arrival, Lucy introduces her companions to the family’s adopted chimpanzee, Ben, who has learned how to communicate through a soundboard. Despite being cute and cuddly during his reunion with Lucy, Ben fully transforms into a chaotic killer after he’s bitten by a rabid animal and goes on a bloodthirsty rampage.

Meet the Folks Behind ‘Primate’

In addition to Kotsur and Sequoyah, Primate also features the talents of Jessica Alexander (Fallen), Gia Hunter (Sherlock & Daughter), Benjamin Cheng, and Victoria Wyant (My Fault: London). In addition to helming the project, Roberts also co-penned the screenplay alongside Ernest Riera. The monkey-centered thriller is the director’s latest foray into the horror genre, having previously backed titles such as Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and The Strangers: Prey at Night.