Fresh off the film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest, the first official poster for Paramount’s Primate has been revealed this week, giving us our very first look at the movie’s killer chimp.
Meet Ben. First you’ll fall in love with him. Then he’ll tear your heart right out of your chest.
As Meagan explains in her review, “Ben is practical, spectacularly crafted by Millennium FX, and played by movement specialist Miguel Torres Umba. The chimp’s transformation from sweet pet to terrifying monster serves as the film’s biggest asset, enhanced by chilling shot composition and expert pacing that tests even the steeliest of nerves.”
“Primate may not ultimately impress for originality, but as an old school animal attack creature feature, it’s an adrenaline rush of fun,” Meagan’s review for Bloody Disgusting continues.
From Paramount’s horror label 18hz Productions, Primate is directed by Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City).
Here’s the plot synopsis for Primate: “Home from college, Lucy reunites with family including pet chimp Ben. Ben contracts rabies during a pool party and turns aggressive. Lucy and friends barricade in pool, devising ways to survive the vicious chimp.”
Primate releases in theaters January 9, 2026.
Johannes Roberts co-wrote the screenplay for Primate with Ernest Riera. The horror movie stars Johnny Sequoyah and Oscar®-winning Troy Kotsur (CODA).
Walter Hamada is producing Primate, part of a new horror pact with Paramount.
