Blockbuster 'Monkey King' launches sequel plans

By Zhang Rui: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, February 14, 2014

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China's fantasy blockbuster "Monkey King" now is ready for not one but two sequels after breaking all Chinese box office records.

The star-studded epic, directed by Hong Kong director Cheang Pou-Soi and starring A-list actors such as Donnie Yen, Chow Yun-fat and Aaron Kwok, is the newest adaption of eight chapters from the Chinese classic ancient novel "Journey to the West."

The production team of blockbuster "Monkey King" attend a ceremony in Hong Kong on Wednesday celebrating the major box office success. [China.org.cn]

Wang Haifeng, chairman of the film's production company Filmko Entertainment Group, celebrated the major box office success during a ceremony in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The film has thus far grossed HK$1.1 billion (US$141.82 million) on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong.

Wang revealed that they would start shooting a sequel of "Monkey King," based on the chapter of "White Bone Fiend." Wang added preparations have been underway for five months and the film is expected to hit Chinese screens in 2016. A third follow-up is also being set up, based on the story of Women's Country from "Journey to the West."

Kungfu star and lead actor Donnie Yen didn't confirm his return for the sequel since he had already promised Yuen Woo-ping to star in a Yuen-directed sequel of Ang Lee's Academy Award-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Hong Kong actor Louis Koo has been confirmed to star in the "Monkey King" sequel as the Monk Xuanzang (Tang Sanzang), who is on a legendary pilgrimage in both the book as well as in real history, traveling to India to obtain the sacred sutras and returning after many trials and tribulations. Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming is also expected to star as Zhu Bajie, yet another disciple of the monk in the form of a pig demon.

Other sources have confirmed Filmko has additionally been negotiating with South Korea's Lee Min-ho, Taiwan's Lin Chi-ling and Jerry Yan to star in the "Monkey King" sequel as Monkey King (if Donnie Yen cannot do it), White Bone Fiend and disciple Sha Wujing (Friar Sand), respectively.

The "Monkey King" will be showing in another 50 countries around the globe from March to August, after completing its run in Chinese theaters. The movie’s destinations will include the United States, Canada, Japan, India, Europe and Africa.

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