Actress Johnny Sequoyah recently joined Collider’s Perri Nemiroff on Collider Ladies Night to discuss her career journey and her starring role in the new horror film, 'Primate'. Sequoyah, who takes on the lead role of Lucy in Johannes Roberts’ film, delved into her experiences as a child actor, navigating industry challenges, and the extraordinary practical effects that brought 'Primate’s' killer chimp, Ben, to life. This new release is already garnering attention, with Sequoyah suggesting it could be one of the standout horror movies of 2026.

During her conversation, Sequoyah reflected on her path from child acting, sharing insights into overcoming setbacks, including being recast in a show. She also highlighted the highs of her career, such as collaborating with a legendary director like Alfonso Cuarón, culminating in her first starring role in a studio film with 'Primate'. Her performance in the movie suggests a promising future with many more opportunities on the horizon.

In 'Primate', Sequoyah's character, Lucy, visits her father Troy Kotsur and sister Gia Hunter in Hawaii. Their family chimp, Ben, takes a terrifying turn after being bitten by a rabid mongoose. As Lucy and her friends enjoy their surroundings, Ben succumbs to the sickness, transforming into what director Roberts describes as “the Freddy Krueger of chimps,” and begins brutally attacking them one by one.

A significant highlight of 'Primate' is its commitment to “old-school moviemaking” and practical effects for creating Ben. Director Johannes Roberts intentionally avoided extensive digital effects, opting for a hands-on approach. Sequoyah recounted her initial surprise when Roberts presented a chimp mask, declaring, “We're doing it practical. It's going to be a suit.” This revelation set the stage for a unique on-set experience.

The creation of Ben was a monumental effort, involving Miguel Torres Umba, the actor who portrayed the chimp, and an extensive effects team. Sequoyah praised Umba and the team, emphasizing that she was able to build a genuine relationship with an actor, rather than working with AI or heavy VFX. The chimp suit itself reportedly took over 50 people to create. On set, an entire dedicated team managed Ben’s saliva, while another puppeteering mask team focused on moving his facial expressions live during filming. Additionally, there were specific teams for his hair, makeup, and wardrobe, as well as personnel dedicated solely to operating his arms and legs, highlighting the intricate and collaborative effort involved.

The film’s producer, Walter Hamada, confirmed that 'Primate' features “very, very minimal VFX in the entire movie.” Sequoyah urged audiences, even those not typically drawn to horror, to see the film for its remarkable movie magic. She stated, “Even if you're not a horror fan, that is enough of a reason to go and see the film, just because the way that they pulled it off is unbelievable, honestly. I was shocked watching it.” 'Primate' is currently playing in theaters nationwide.