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American actor Colin O’Brien talks about his evolving career in movies and dives into the emotional layers of “The Monkey”
<figure id="attachment_109978" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109978" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109978" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-3.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 001.jpg" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-3.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-3-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109978" class="wp-caption-text">Robe by Hiromi Asai; blazer by Kuttah</figcaption></figure>
As seen in his outstanding performance in “The Monkey,” actor Colin O’Brien is a talent to watch. From his mesmerizing screen presence to the subtle emotional weight he brings to each scene, O’Brien’s role in Stephen King’s adaptation feels raw and genuine. As Petey—a teen caught between family fractures and eerie forces—he adds unexpected depth to the horror. In this DAMAN exclusive interview, the rising star shares his experience on set, his dynamic with co-star Theo James and what it means to be part of such a standout project. With thoughtful insight into his future ambitions, Colin O’Brien is proving that his breakout moment is no accident.
<figure id="attachment_109977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109977" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109977" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-2.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 002.jpg" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-2.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-2-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109977" class="wp-caption-text">Denim set by Tell The Truth; coat by Weisheng Paris</figcaption></figure>
DAMAN: Let’s talk about your latest film, “The Monkey.” It’s such a wild ride. Can you tell us a little bit about the character you play and what drew you to the role? 
Colin O’Brien: Yeah, it is a wild ride. Part of what makes Petey’s character fun to play is how oblivious he is to what’s going on around him. His dad has kept secrets from him, his parents are on the outs and he’s always a step away from falling into the thick of things.
<figure id="attachment_109976" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109976" style="width: 1039px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109976" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-1.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 003.jpg" width="1039" height="1299" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-1.jpg 1039w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-1-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1039px) 100vw, 1039px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109976" class="wp-caption-text">Hoodie by Mister Triple X; jeans by Tell The Truth</figcaption></figure>
DA: Stephen King stories always have that signature eerie energy. Did you feel that intensity while you were actually on set? 
CO: Yeah, there was definitely that eerie energy on set. Even when the project is filmed out of order, there’s a unity to the experience. “Long Legs” came out while we were filming. Everyone was really excited about how it was received, which also fed the energy on set.
Off set, we talked a lot with our landlord, who was buying property from the B.C. serial killer’s estate, The Butcher. It was creepy. I’d never heard of him before, but having that going on in the background and hearing details about him was another form of drama that stayed with me.
<figure id="attachment_109975" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109975" style="width: 1039px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109975" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-9.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 004.jpg" width="1039" height="1299" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-9.jpg 1039w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-9-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-9-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-9-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1039px) 100vw, 1039px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109975" class="wp-caption-text">T-shirt by Gap</figcaption></figure>
DA: Speaking of creepy, how was it working with the practical effects—especially the monkey prop? Was it just as unsettling in person as it is on screen? 
CO: The actual monkey prop was much larger than I thought it would be. I happened upon it unexpectedly in a farmhouse where we were shooting. It actually gave me a jump scare. In terms of special effects, I loved watching Ed Douglas do his thing for the VFX. It was the first time I’d been on a set where I could watch that process up close. It’s a real art, as are the SFX.
DA: You also got to work with Theo James. What was that experience like? Any fun or unexpected moments with him behind the scenes? 
CO: There was really no one moment with Theo, just an overall ease of being around him. We were in a car a lot together, sometimes waiting for the next scene or for it to stop raining. He shared some stories from his early days that were cool to hear about and helped me see his trajectory as an actor. He helped me understand a little more about the patience and ups and downs that go into an acting career.
<figure id="attachment_109974" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109974" style="width: 1039px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109974" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-8.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 005.jpg" width="1039" height="1299" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-8.jpg 1039w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-8-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-8-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-8-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1039px) 100vw, 1039px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109974" class="wp-caption-text">Jacket by The Embroidery Studio; shirt by Tommy Hilfiger</figcaption></figure>
DA: Now that the film’s out and people are reacting—how do you usually handle feedback or reviews? 
CO: The feedback has been pretty positive, so that’s easy to handle. If that wasn’t the case, though, I’d try to remember that there’s only so much I’m in control of as an actor. So much happens in post to help make the film. We had great music—Zed Starkovich really helped set the mood.
DA: For those who haven’t seen “The Monkey” yet, how would you convince them to give it a watch? 
CO: I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it. I read the script, acted in some of the film and was still laughing unexpectedly at Oz’s dark sense of humor. It is not a traditional horror film. It catches you off guard and goes places you don’t expect in very fun ways.
<figure id="attachment_109973" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109973" style="width: 1299px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109973" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 006.jpg" width="1299" height="1624" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7.jpg 1299w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7-768x960.jpg 768w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-7-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1299px) 100vw, 1299px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109973" class="wp-caption-text">Blazer by Kuttah; shirt by Passageway; jeans by Levi’s</figcaption></figure>
DA: Shifting gears a bit—when did you first realize that acting was what you wanted to do? Was there a moment where it all just clicked for you? 
CO: I remember working on a film short in 2020, looking through the camera, and then seeing playback of the scene. I thought it was magical, and I remember thinking that I always wanted to be a part of the film industry.
DA: Every actor has their own way of preparing for a role. What’s your process like when you’re getting into character? 
CO: Part of my process depends on whether my scene is alone or with another actor. Sometimes the other actor will ask to run lines and we end up talking about the scene. Some directors like to rehearse and give blocking for a scene, some don’t. You have to stay open to what the process is of those around you and work within those parameters. On a personal level, I make sure I know my lines, and if I need to, ask to have a moment to help the shift into the reality of the scene.
<figure id="attachment_109972" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109972" style="width: 1039px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109972" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-6.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 007.jpg" width="1039" height="1299" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-6.jpg 1039w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-6-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-6-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-6-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1039px) 100vw, 1039px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109972" class="wp-caption-text">Shirt and pants by Uter; T-shirt by D.rt; bracelet by Blissbury</figcaption></figure>
DA: You’ve taken on some impressive roles already, but is there a dream character or genre you’d love to explore next? 
CO: I’d love the chance to be in a western or science fiction—something that feels timeless and tells an important story.
DA: Outside of work, are there small habits or routines you have that help you stay grounded or give back in some way? 
CO: I am a runner, so I run about five times a week. I also volunteer at a couple places.
<figure id="attachment_109971" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109971" style="width: 1429px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109971" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 008.jpg" width="1429" height="1786" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5.jpg 1429w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5-768x960.jpg 768w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-5-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1429px) 100vw, 1429px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109971" class="wp-caption-text">Shirt by Inimigo</figcaption></figure>
DA: And when you’re off the clock, what kind of vibe do you lean into? Are you more of a homebody, or do you love getting out and exploring? 
CO: If I’m in a city or new location, I like to explore. During “The Monkey,” we were in B.C., and I’d never been to Canada before, so I wanted to see as much as I could while there. I just loved it. When I’m home, I like to play my guitar and hang out.
DA: Finally, for the fans who’ve been cheering you on, what would you like to say to them right now? 
CO: Something could be just around the corner. Even if I’m not involved in a project right now, everything builds toward your next experience. I’d also thank them for their support.
<figure id="attachment_109970" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109970" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-109970" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-4.jpg" alt="Colin O’Brien by Kimberly Yvette Goodnight for DAMAN June 2025 009.jpg" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-4.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-4-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colin-4-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109970" class="wp-caption-text">T-shirt by BDG</figcaption></figure>
Photography &amp; Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight 
Grooming Harper for Exclusive Artists using Dr. Barbara Sturm and R+Co

Catching up with Colin O’Brien from “The Monkey” fame

Colin O'Brien,

harper,

KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT,

The Monkey