Netflix has unveiled the official teaser art for its new animated film The Monkey King, and Screen Rant is proud to present an exclusive first look. The movie's adventures are derived from the infamous character from Chinese mythology, Sun Wukong (孫悟空), who was popularized in Wu Cheng’en’s 16th-century novel Journey to the West. In this action-packed family comedy, the charismatic Monkey finds himself on an epic quest to fight 100 demons, the Dragon King, and his own ego.
The Monkey King's titular character is portrayed by Jimmy O. Yang, but the story is about more than just one trickster and his mission. A young village girl named Lin (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) will serve as a king of guide, challenging his narcissistic worldview and teaching him how to care for more than his own needs. The rest of the ensemble cast features some of the most exciting Asian talents in the industry today, including Bowen Yang as Dragon King, Joy Koy as Benbo (Jo Koy), BD Wong as Buddha, Stephanie Hsu as Mayor's Wife, and much more.
Meet The Monkey King & His Magical Fighting Stick
The official teaser art for The Monkey King centers the titular Monkey, offering a good look at his powerful staff. In the classic tale of Journey to the West, his iron staff possesses the power to shrink and grow, control the ocean, and even astral project. While the magic properties of Monkey's fighting stick are unclear in this interpretation, there's no doubt it will play a pivotal role in the story especially as its voiced by Nan Li. Equally as important is the village girl Lin, who may not be a goddess but has the task of bringing Monkey down to Earth and keeping his hubris in check.
The Monkey King is directed by Anthony Stacchi (The Boxtrolls, Open Season) from a screenplay by Stephen Bencich, Ron J. Friedman (Open Season, Chicken Little) and Rita Hsiao. If those names weren't enticing enough, the producers of the project have an equally impressive pedigree: executive producer Stephen Chow is known for Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer, while producer Peilin Chou handled Abominable.
Aside from the action that is sure to come along with any Stephen Chow production, The Monkey King also boasts some incredible music. Songwriters Tony Marlow and Lucy Moss (SIX: The Musical) are creating original songs for the film, and with composer Toby Chu (Bao, Surf’s Up 2) on board, the score will be nothing short of stellar.
The Monkey King premieres August 18 on Netflix.