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Paramount Unveils First Trailer for Killer-Chimp Horror 'Primate' Ahead of January 2026 Theatrical Release

Practical effects-driven creature work anchors an 18Hz theatrical launch backed by festival buzz.

Overview

  • The full trailer arrived Oct. 16 following a Oct. 15 teaser built around a chilling 911 call that declares, “He killed all the others.”
  • Johannes Roberts directs and co-writes with Ernest Riera, positioning the film as an old-school animal-attack thriller set during a Hawaii homecoming.
  • Paramount lists a U.S. release date of Jan. 9, 2026, as part of Walter Hamada’s 18Hz slate of theatrical horror titles.
  • Ben the chimp is realized primarily with practical effects by Millennium FX and a movement performance by Miguel Torres Umba, emphasizing tactile realism.
  • Early reactions from Fantastic Fest and other stops report strong crowd response, with initial coverage citing an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.