Monkey King actor to bring classic to big screen
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 16, 2015
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Legendary Monkey King actor Zhang Jinlai performs Monkey-style kung fu on stage at a press conference for the new "Journey to the West" 3D movie in Beijing on April 15, 2015. [Photo/China.org.cn] |
Zhang said he has been prepared for this movie for years and is not worried about his physical condition, since he has continued to exercise for years. He also mentioned that doing a "Journey to the West" movie was the last wish of his father, another legendary Monkey King actor who died last year.
Ke Liming, a producer of the film project, said the main characters in the film will be played by the original cast of the 1986 TV series, which should attract big audiences who are nostalgic for the well-known show. Some famous Sinologists will also be asked to help with the script. A director for the film has not yet been officially selected, but Ke said he hoped Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and will direct "Avengers: Infinity War," will direct the new Monkey King movie.
Teen idol Wu Yifan attended the press conference and may also have a role in the film. Zhang added that he will also consider inviting some big foreign movie stars to join the project.
Ke said that while going through the pre-preparation process with Paramount Pictures, he remained steadfast in insisting that the Chinese studio must take the lead, and the story design and characters must adhere to the characteristics given them in traditional Chinese culture.
Paramount Pictures will provide special effects support and will deal with international distribution of the film. Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said the Monkey King is a world-renowned superhero and "Journey to the West" is a fantastic story. Moore said many of the special effects used in the "Transformers" franchise will also be used in the new film and will be even more innovative.
The 3D movie will be shot in two installments, the first of which is scheduled to be released next year.
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