HORROR fans are desperate to see The Monkey after its latest trailer was banned from TV for being ‘excessively violent’.
Stephen King adaptations have always pushed the boundaries, but this one has gone too far for four major networks, which all refused to air the clip.
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The film’s distributor, NEON, revealed the rejections on social media.
A company boss posted redacted emails from network executives who outright rejected the trailer.
“The spot below would not be permitted in any programming,” one email read, with a huge section blacked out before citing ‘excessive violence’ as the reason.
Another network had no interest in negotiating, stating bluntly: “Not suitable for our audiences, even with restrictions.”
A third response was even harsher, saying: “There are issues with every scene in the spot.”
The backlash has only fuelled more hype, with horror fans desperate to see what’s causing all the outrage.
One responded: “This is the best marketing you could ask for for the film.”
Another added: “NEON really is the best in the game at film marketing.”
The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), is based on King’s short story with the same name from Skeleton Crew.
The film follows twin brothers who uncover a sinister toy monkey in their attic, unleashing a wave of horrific deaths.
Its A-list line up includes Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Sarah Levy.
The banned trailer features some pretty disturbing imagery, after starting with a scene where a hand can be seen winding up a toy monkey.
After that there is a shot of a swimmer about to dive into a pool, unaware that a microwave has been dropped near to it, hinting that a gruesome electrocution is imminent.
A person runs frantically pushing a pram – seemingly with a baby in it – on fire.
A child bludgeons someone to death with a hammer.
Blood pours out of a woman’s eyes. A character coughs up a sliced off fingertip.
A person sprints out of their house, with their head engulfed in flames.
Horror fans are already predicting this will be one of the most shocking King adaptations yet.
