Prepare yourself for a chilling new chapter in horror: Paramount’s upcoming film Primate introduces a killer chimpanzee that’s as terrifying as it is fascinating. Fresh from its debut at Fantastic Fest, the first official poster has just been unveiled, offering fans their very first glimpse of the movie’s menacing primate antagonist.
Meet Ben. At first, you’ll be drawn to his charm and innocence. But don’t be fooled—soon enough, he’ll rip your heart out in the most literal and horrifying way imaginable.
As Meagan highlights in her detailed review for Bloody Disgusting, “Ben is a marvel of practical effects, masterfully created by Millennium FX and brought to life by movement expert Miguel Torres Umba. The transformation of this chimp from a lovable pet into a nightmarish predator is the film’s standout feature, amplified by haunting cinematography and a pacing that will keep even the most hardened horror fans on edge.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Primate may not break new ground in terms of originality, it embraces the classic animal-attack horror genre with such adrenaline-pumping energy that it becomes an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Meagan’s review sums it up perfectly, calling it “an old-school creature feature that delivers white-knuckle thrills.”
Produced under Paramount’s horror banner 18hz Productions, Primate is directed by Johannes Roberts, known for his work on hits like 47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. His experience in crafting tense, atmospheric horror promises a gripping experience.
Here’s the premise: Lucy, a college student, returns home to reconnect with her family and their pet chimpanzee, Ben. During a lively pool party, Ben contracts rabies, triggering a terrifying shift in his behavior. As he becomes increasingly aggressive, Lucy and her friends find themselves trapped by the pool, forced to barricade themselves and strategize to survive the relentless assault of the rabid chimp.
Primate is set to hit theaters on January 9, 2026, giving horror enthusiasts something to eagerly anticipate in the new year.
The screenplay is a collaboration between Johannes Roberts and Ernest Riera, blending their talents to craft a suspenseful narrative. The cast features Johnny Sequoyah alongside Oscar® winner Troy Kotsur, known for his acclaimed role in CODA, adding depth and credibility to the performances.
Behind the scenes, Walter Hamada is producing Primate as part of a fresh horror partnership with Paramount, signaling a promising future for genre fans.
As someone deeply embedded in the horror community since 2008, serving as Editor in Chief of Bloody Disgusting, and a collector of iconic horror memorabilia—including Eli Roth’s prop corpse from Piranha 3D—I can say this film is shaping up to be a must-watch. Plus, I have two fantastic cats who, thankfully, are far less menacing than Ben. Still, I can’t help but play with my horror toys while eagerly awaiting this film’s release.
So, what do you think? Is Primate just another creature feature, or could it redefine the animal-attack subgenre? Are practical effects like those used for Ben still the gold standard in horror, or is CGI the way forward? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation started!
