Some stories have been around for decades and adapted dozens of times, each attempting to find something new to say or a different interpretation. But in the case of Netflix’s The Monkey King, the animated film is based on a Chinese myth that is literally centuries old. Fortunately, this legendary tale looks brand new in the hands of director Anthony Stacchi, whose previous work on The Boxtrolls earned him acclaim.
Featuring the voices of Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Jo Koy, Ron Yuan, Hoon Lee, Stephanie Hsu, and BD Wong, The Monkey King follows the charismatic and rebellious monkey who uses his magical fighting stick to save the land from demons, the Dragon King, all while battling his own enormous ego.
The vibrant animation and visuals are from ReelFX (Scoob!), while Stephen Chow, known for Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, is aboard as exec-producer. One can imagine he had a lot of input on the Monkey King’s wisecracking persona.
Here’s the synopsis: 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.
The Monkey King hits Netflix on August 18th.
