Primate Trailer Swings in as Walter Hamada's Horror Deal Renewed at Paramount

Get ready for some primal terror! Paramount Pictures is doubling down on its horror game, renewing its exclusive multi-year deal with genre guru Walter Hamada's 18Hz Productions and dropping the first intense trailer for their upcoming killer chimp flick, Primate.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Primal Horror News

• Paramount Pictures has officially renewed its exclusive, multi-year production deal with Walter Hamada and his 18Hz Productions, cementing their commitment to annual low-to-mid-budget horror films.
• The first official trailer for Primate, a terrifying survival horror film directed by Johannes Roberts and starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, has just been unleashed, showcasing a homicidal pet chimpanzee.
• Primate is set to hit theaters on January 9, 2026, continuing the trend of January becoming a strong release window for high-concept horror films like M3GAN and Scream.

Paramount Pictures Continues Its Reign of Terror with Walter Hamada's 18Hz Productions

In a move that's got horror fans buzzing, Paramount Pictures has officially locked in its future with genre mastermind Walter Hamada, renewing his exclusive, multi-year production deal with 18Hz Productions. This isn't just a simple handshake; it's a clear signal that Paramount is all-in on delivering the scares, focusing on a steady stream of low-to-mid-budget horror films for both theaters and streaming audiences.

If Walter Hamada's name rings a bell, it's because he's been instrumental in shaping some of the biggest genre hits of the last decade. Before he set up shop at Paramount in November 2022 (with the deal kicking off in January 2023), Hamada was a heavy-hitter at Warner Bros. as the DC Films Boss and a key EVP at New Line Production. His resume is genuinely stacked, including producing the second-highest-grossing horror film series ever, Stephen King's It, which raked in a monstrous $1.18 billion globally. He also had a hand in the chilling The Conjuring franchise and Matt Reeves' critically acclaimed The Batman ($772.3 million). Basically, the man knows how to scare us silly and make bank doing it!

This renewed partnership means we can expect Hamada and his 18Hz team to keep churning out those thrilling, budget-conscious horror flicks that have a knack for captivating audiences. It's an exciting time for horror lovers, knowing there's a dedicated producer with a proven track record focused squarely on bringing fresh, terrifying stories to the screen.

"I am thrilled to collaborate with Paramount Pictures with the singular goal of creating exceptional movies in the horror genre. Over the course of my career, nothing has been more gratifying than discovering emerging, first-time filmmakers and writers and unleashing their brilliance in a studio setting. Thank you to Brian and the entire team at Paramount Pictures for this tremendous opportunity, I can’t wait to get started." — Walter Hamada on his initial deal with Paramount Pictures

Prepare for Primal Instincts: "Primate" Trailer Unleashes Terrifying Killer Chimp Mayhem

Right on the heels of the deal renewal, Paramount unleashed the official trailer for one of 18Hz Productions' most anticipated upcoming projects: Primate. And let us tell you, this movie looks absolutely wild. From director Johannes Roberts, known for his intense work on films like 47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, Primate promises a savage, suspenseful, and utterly horrifying descent into primal chaos.

The trailer kicks off with a chilling 911 call, a distressed voice exclaiming, "He killed all the others!" while the sounds of a rampaging animal echo in the background. It immediately sets a tone of pure dread. We're then introduced to Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah), home from college and reuniting with her family and their beloved pet chimpanzee, Ben. What starts as a tropical vacation in Hawaii for Lucy and her friends quickly turns into a nightmare when Ben, the chimp, contracts rabies from a mysterious bite and transforms into a violently unpredictable, homicidal menace. Talk about a bad vacation!

What makes Primate stand out, even from its trailer, is the unsettling intelligence and malice displayed by Ben. This isn't just a mindless beast; this chimp communicates through a talk board, even using it to articulate "Lucy bad" after breaking her arm. Imagine trying to escape a creature that's not only incredibly strong and vicious but also understands your plans and can taunt you! One scene in the trailer shows Lucy hiding in a locked car, only for Ben to casually press the key fob, unlock the door, and make sure she sees him do it. It's a blend of slasher thrills, absurd humor, and home-invasion horror that's bound to keep you guessing whether to laugh, scream, or both.

Meet the Cast and Creative Team Behind "Primate"

The film boasts a talented cast ready to face off against Ben's wrath:

• Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy
• Jessica Alexander
• Troy Kotsur (Academy Award winner for CODA) as the dad/Adam
• Victoria Wyant
• Gia Hunter
• Benjamin Cheng
• Charlie Mann
• Tienne Simon
• Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (the chimp)

Director Johannes Roberts co-wrote the script with Ernest Riera, and the film is produced by Walter Hamada, John Hodges, and Bradley Pilz. Executive producers include Vicki Dee Rock, Nathan Samdahl (for 18Hz), Johannes Roberts, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary.

Fantastic Fest Buzz and Why a January Release is No Longer a Horror Death Knell

Primate isn't just a random drop; it's already garnered some solid buzz, having made its world premiere as the opening night screening at Fantastic Fest 2025 and also screening at the Sitges Film Festival. Early reviews, like Brandon Wainerdi's from FANGORIA, call it a "glorious gorefest," praising its smart scripting, creature effects, and compelling family dynamics. Director Johannes Roberts himself hyped it up at Fantastic Fest, exclaiming it's "so fcking old school!" citing inspirations from horror boogeymen like The Shape and the velociraptors from Jurassic Park.

For a long time, a January release date for a horror movie was seen as a bad sign – a "dump month" where studios offloaded films they had little faith in. However, that's changing big time! The COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled release schedules, but more importantly, January has become a prime spot for high-concept genre hits to thrive. Think about it: 2022's Scream grossed $138.9 million globally against a reported $24 million budget. Then, in 2023, the killer robot movie M3GAN became a sensation, pulling in a massive $181.8 million worldwide on just a $12 million budget.

These successes prove that if you've got an intriguing premise and execute it well, audiences will show up, even in the dead of winter. Primate, with its killer chimp concept and Hamada's backing, is perfectly positioned to follow in those footsteps and become a solid horror success, proving January is now a bastion for fresh scares.

Beyond "Primate": What Else is Brewing in Hamada's 18Hz Horror Lab?

While Primate is certainly making headlines, Walter Hamada's 18Hz Productions has a whole slate of other terrifying projects in the works under this renewed Paramount deal. If you're a horror aficionado, you'll want to keep these on your radar:

• Untitled Horror Film from André Øvredal: This project is directed by the acclaimed André Øvredal, known for his work on Trollhunter and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Written by Zachary Donohue and T.W. Burgess, it stars Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell, and the legendary Melissa Leo. Hamada produces alongside Gary Dauberman (from Coin Operated), with Nathan Samdahl as executive producer. Expect something atmospheric and chilling from Øvredal!
• Familiar: This film comes from director Caye Casas, who helmed the dark comedy The Coffee Table. Based on an original script by Julien Magnat, Familiar is produced by Walter Hamada, with Nick Romano serving as executive producer. Details are scarce, but Casas's previous work suggests a unique, perhaps unsettling, take on horror.
• Suffer Little Children: A truly intriguing project, this is a reimagining of the 1976 cult Spanish horror film Who Can Kill a Child? Director and writer Rodrigue Huart is at the helm. While plot specifics are kept under wraps, the original film followed a couple vacationing on a remote island only to discover all the adults have been killed – a truly disturbing premise that's ripe for a modern update. Hamada produces alongside rightsholder Pablo Cruz of Canana, and Nick Romano is again an executive producer.

This diverse slate showcases Hamada's commitment to exploring different facets of horror, from creature features to atmospheric thrillers and reimagined classics. With a clear vision and a focus on quality, low-to-mid-budget productions, 18Hz Productions is shaping up to be a significant player in Paramount's horror strategy.

The Resurgence of Animal Attack Horror and Why We Can't Get Enough

It's not just Primate signaling a trend; animal-focused horror is having a serious moment. From the terrifying sharks of 47 Meters Down (also by Johannes Roberts) to the rabid canine of Stephen King's Cujo (which is getting a remake on Netflix!), there's something inherently terrifying about Mother Nature turning on us. We're seeing more projects like the upcoming Anaconda reboot (starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, no less!), Dangerous Animals, Good Boy, Justin Long's Coyotes, and even the delightfully bonkers-sounding Hot Spring Shark Attack.

Why the fascination? Perhaps it's the primal fear of losing control, of nature's indifference, or simply the dread of a familiar creature turning monstrous. Whatever the reason, this subgenre taps into deep-seated anxieties, and Primate looks poised to deliver those fears in spades. The combination of a beloved pet, a tropical paradise, and a violent, intelligent chimp feels like a fresh, yet classic, take on what makes us squirm. This is a genre that thrives on visceral thrills, and with Roberts's track record and Hamada's production expertise, Primate has all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable (and terrifying) cinematic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Primate

What is Primate about?

Primate is a survival horror film where a group of friends on a tropical vacation encounter a family pet chimpanzee, Ben, who contracts rabies or a mysterious bite and turns violently aggressive and homicidal, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival.

Who directed Primate?

Primate was directed by Johannes Roberts, known for his work on other horror films like 47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.

When does Primate come out?

Primate is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on January 9, 2026, distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Who is in the cast of Primate?

The film stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, alongside Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, and Tienne Simon. The chimpanzee, Ben, is played by Miguel Torres Umba.

Sources

• Deadline - Paramount Reups Production Pact With Walter Hamada’s 18Hz
• Variety - Paramount Renews Deal With Walter Hamada’s 18Hz Productions, Debuts Trailer for Killer Chimp Thriller ‘Primate’
• The Hollywood Reporter - Paramount Reups Production Deal With Walter Hamada’s 18Hz Productions
• Bloody Disgusting - ‘Primate’ Trailer Unleashes a Homicidal Chimp on a Group of Friends
• Screen Rant - Primate Trailer Introduces A Suitably Chilling Replacement For The Monkey
• First Showing - Intense First Trailer for ‘Primate’ – Pet Chimp Gone Mad Horror Movie
• io9 - The First Trailer for ‘Primate’ Is the ‘Nope’ Opening on Simian Steroids
• MovieTrailers.net - First look at PRIMATE, a savage new survival horror from Johannes Roberts.
• FANGORIA - PRIMATE Trailer: Your Tropical Vacation Is Cancelled (By A Chimp)