‘Primate’ Horror Film Hits Theaters Tomorrow
Mexico City, January 8, 2026 – The highly anticipated horror film “Primate,” directed by Johannes Roberts, is set to unleash terror in U.S. theaters on January 9, 2026. This natural horror thriller, starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, follows a group of friends whose Hawaiian vacation turns deadly when a family’s pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies and becomes violently aggressive. Premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2025, the movie has garnered generally positive reviews for its gory, suspenseful take on the “when animals attack” subgenre.
Plot and Premise
“Primate” centers on Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah), who returns to her family’s secluded Hawaiian home with friends for a tropical getaway. Her deaf father, Adam (Troy Kotsur), and sister Erin (Gia Hunter) live there with their adopted chimpanzee, Ben. Tragedy strikes when Ben is bitten by a rabid animal, transforming him into a ferocious killer. Trapped in the cliffside mansion, the group must outsmart the intelligent, bloodthirsty primate in a game of survival. The film emphasizes practical effects, gore, and black humor, delivering a lean, mean chiller reminiscent of classic creature features.
Key Facts and Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Johannes Roberts |
| Writers | Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera |
| Main Cast | Johnny Sequoyah (Lucy), Jessica Alexander (Hannah), Troy Kotsur (Adam), Victoria Wyant (Kate), Gia Hunter (Erin), Benjamin Cheng (Nick) |
| Release Date | January 9, 2026 (United States); Premiered September 18, 2025, at Fantastic Fest |
| Runtime | 89 minutes |
| Rating | R (for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 92% (based on 25 critic reviews) |
| Production | 18hz Productions; Distributed by Paramount Pictures |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Primate’ about?
The film is a horror thriller where a rabies-infected chimpanzee named Ben terrorizes a group of young adults during a vacation in Hawaii, leading to intense survival scenarios filled with gore and suspense.
Who stars in ‘Primate’?
The cast includes Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy, Jessica Alexander as Hannah, Troy Kotsur as Adam, and supporting roles by Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, and Benjamin Cheng. Miguel Torres Umba portrays Ben through practical effects and CGI.
Is ‘Primate’ based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional horror film inspired by the “animals attack” subgenre, similar to movies like “Cocaine Bear,” but with a focus on a domesticated primate gone wild.