John Wick Fans, Brace Yourselves! A New Action Hero Rises on Peacock. Starring Dev Patel.

Forget everything you thought you knew about revenge flicks. Buckle up, because a story as brutal as anything Baba Yaga dished out is hitting Peacock on June 14th, but this time with a whole new flavor. We’re talking Bollywood meets Bruce Lee with a healthy dose of Korean action cinema, all brought to life by the insanely talented Dev Patel in his directorial debut! Get ready to experience Monkey Man on Peacock – it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss!

A Cocktail of Influences: From Bruce Lee to Korean Neo-Noir

Patel isn’t shy about the films and martial artists that fueled his vision for “Monkey Man.” He readily cites Korean revenge films like “Oldboy,” “I Saw the Devil,” “A Bittersweet Life,” and “The Man From Nowhere” as major influences. “They do revenge better than anyone from a visual and emotional standpoint,” he says. Expect to see that raw, stylish violence translated into “Monkey Man’s” fight sequences.

The influence doesn’t stop there. Patel draws a parallel between the escalating fights in “Monkey Man,” where the protagonist, Kid, takes on increasingly powerful opponents, and the structure of Bruce Lee’s classic “Game of Death.” Think iconic fight scenes with a mythic undercurrent.

But it’s not all Asian cinema. Bollywood movies also played a key role in shaping “Monkey Man.” Specifically, Patel mentions “Koyla,” a Shah Rukh Khan revenge film that stuck with him for its raw portrayal of its protagonist. Expect to see echoes of that sweaty, red-eyed intensity in Kid’s journey.

Sobhita Dhulipala & Dev Patel in Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man: A Vengeance Story with Eastern Mystique

The plot of “Monkey Man” throws Hindu mythology into the mix, creating a hero’s journey unlike anything you’ve seen before. Patel plays Kid, a young man whose life is shattered by a ruthless police chief and a powerful guru who exploit the caste system for their own gain. Fueled by rage and inspired by the tales of the monkey god Hanuman, Kid embarks on a brutal mission to dismantle the corrupt system and avenge his mother’s death.

This powerful anti-establishment message almost kept the film from reaching Indian audiences. Originally slated for a straight-to-streaming release in India, “Monkey Man” raised eyebrows with its social commentary. Luckily, Jordan Peele saw its potential and championed a theatrical release, propelling Patel towards potential action star status.

Seriously, this movie is a love letter to everything Patel digs: Bollywood classics, epic martial arts films, and the bedtime stories his grandpa told him. It’s a showcase for his talent, both behind the camera and kicking butt in front of it. So, if you’re craving a fresh take on revenge with a healthy dose of Eastern mystique, “Monkey Man” is your new obsession. Mark your calendars for June 14th and get ready to meet a new action hero – Monkey Man – on Peacock! You won’t regret it.