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Netflix definitely hasn’t been shy about getting more and more into the animation film niche alongside the likes of Pixar and Dreamworks. One of their latest upcoming animated flicks, is taking the mythical route with its comedic adventure titled The Monkey King. Ahead of its release next month on the streaming platform as part of their announced Summer Kids & Family lineup, the official trailer for the film has premiered today, giving audiences a firsthand look at what to expect from the journey of perhaps the most powerful and hilariously egotistical monkey in ancient China.
The Monkey King is set as an original fantasy animated film for Netflix, and a vibrant adaptation of the epic 16th century Chinese tale, Journey to the West. Years in the making, the film is helmed by Anthony Stacchi, who last worked on Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning adaptation of Pinnochio (2022). The co-writers of the script included Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman. The studio that helped bring the mythical flick to life is Pearl Studio, a subsidiary of Dreamworks Animation based in Shanghai, China. Peilin Chou and Kendra Haaland are the project’s co-producers, while Stephen Chow serves as executive producer. Chow himself was elated to have the movie greenlit and attached to Netflix, remarking:
“The Monkey King has endured for generations with his unique character and spirit. I’m so excited to be collaborating with Tony, Peilin, and everyone at Netflix to bring this joyful tale to audiences worldwide!”
Among All the Demons He Must Fight, Ego is the True Enemy
The trailer opens with a grandiose introduction to the one and only Monkey King, who absolutely believes himself to be the greatest among monkey-kind. Despite being banished by the clan he grew up with for being too different, he seemingly thinks little of it and seeks to join the much more powerful clan known as the Immortal Ones, believing himself more than worthy. However, he’s told that to even get their attention he’ll have to defeat a whopping 100 demons. He brushes off the daunting challenge and sets off to find local towns in need of saving from any demonic terrors.
Upon vanquishing one he meets a young girl named Lin, who wants to achieve big things and make a difference for those around her. She pleads for the Monkey King to mentor her, and he reluctantly agrees. Along their journey Lin starts to become a mentor as well for Monkey King, advising him that defeating everything isn’t the answer, but helping others is. Monkey King starts to take this to heart as the Dragon King threatens the land and all of its innocent citizens, unless someone can defeat him to save everyone.
Starring in the film are Jimmy O. Yang (Love Hard) as the Monkey King himself, Nan Li as his trusted Stick sidekick, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as young villager Lin, Bowen Yang as the Dragon King, and many, many more.
The Monkey King premieres on Netflix on August 18. Check out the official synopsis for the film below.
The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a rebellious and charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all —his own ego! Along the way, a young village girl challenges his self-centered attitude and shows him that even the smallest pebble can have a big effect on the world.
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