Clues point to one iconic monkey being missing from the program of CCTV's Lunar New Year's Eve gala that heralds the Year of the Monkey, as reported by China Daily.
Zhang Jinlai--known by the stage name Liu Xiao Ling Tong, meaning The Little Six-Year-Old--made his debut 51 years ago when he played Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, in the 1986 TV adaptation of "Journey to the West."
The series was 25 episodes long, complete with the primitive special effects of its time. It was given repeat airing every summer.
People have often taken for granted Zhang's appearances in the highest rated variety show in the country. However, this year, he has been invited to the "opera show," a companion event with a typically lower viewership, implying that he will not be invited to the gala.
Since the decision was made known, a wave of criticism has hit CCTV.
"Even Americans know the importance of this actor. How can you be so blind?" asked one critic. He was referring to the Pepsi Cola TV commercial that celebrates the Spring Festival featuring Zhang.
Many critics have gone as far as to say that if Zhang does not make an appearance at the gala, they would tune out of the show, opting to view repeats of past ones.
Sun Wukong has been played numerous times in various adaptations. Some notable examples include Donnie Yen in 2014's "The Monkey King," Aaron Kwok in the upcoming "The Monkey King 2" and Huang Bo in "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons."
Kwok, speaking about the challenges of spending eight hours a day to put on the monkey make up, said, "There will be no regret for a Chinese actor if he can play the Monkey King at least once in his career."
Even though there have been numerous portrayals of the well-known monkey, the Zhang family has had a special relation with the role, with four generations of males specializing in bringing Sun Wukong to life.
Some have expressed that Zhang has been intentionally left out of the gala because, at the age of 57, he is too old. However, critics have pointed out that the show has "thanks for the memory" appearances, invalidating this excuse.