In a recent interview, actor-director
Dev Patel
delved into the mythological origins that influenced his upcoming action film, Monkey Man. Patel explained that ancient Hindu lore, particularly the stories of the deity Hanuman, played a significant role in shaping the narrative and themes of the movie.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Patel revealed how his father's necklace, featuring a monkey holding a mountain, sparked his curiosity about Hanuman's significance.
He described Hanuman as a symbol of nobility, strength, and courage, likening him to Superman for his iconic feats and transformative journey.
Patel emphasized Hanuman's character arc of losing faith in himself and needing to rediscover his courage, which resonated with the storyline of Monkey Man's protagonist, Kid. The film follows Kid's journey through an
underground fight club
, where he confronts his past and seeks revenge, paralleling Hanuman's quest for self-realization.
Reflecting on his directorial debut, Patel expressed his enthusiasm for crafting an underdog action film that defied stereotypes. He highlighted Kid's struggle as a performing monkey in the fight club, facing ridicule and adversity while striving for redemption.
Despite the challenges Monkey Man faced during production, including filming on GoPros and relocating due to COVID-19, Patel remained committed to bringing the story to life. The film's distribution journey, from Netflix to a theatrical release with the support of producer Jordan Peele, further amplified anticipation for its premiere.
Looking ahead, Patel teased his involvement in upcoming projects like the
horror film
Rabbit Trap and action-thrillers Civil War and The Fall Guy. With Monkey Man set to hit theaters on April 5, audiences can expect an action-packed adventure infused with
mythological inspiration
and personal storytelling.
English (US) ·