"The Monkey King 2" teaser poster was released late last year. (Photo : http://history.n.yam.com)
Last year’s fantasy-adventure epic "The Monkey King" will be following up its highly successful release with a sequel to rival its record-breaking 1 billion yuan ($157.8 million) gross against its 500 million yuan ($82 million) budget. "The Monkey King 2" is set for a Feb. 2016 showing to coincide with the Chinese New Year just like its predecessor.
Taken from the classic tale "Journey to the West, the franchise depicts the Monkey King's exploits as he battles the main antagonist, the Skeleton Demon, played by actress Gong Li, who portrays the said character in multiple stages of its life.
The movie's version of the villain gets a more complex treatment from the filmmakers to add to its calculating and merciless nature in the novel, forming intricate relationships with major characters from the story like the priest Tang and his disciples.
Widely considered to be one of the most adapted written stories of our time, "Journey to the West" (1592) penned by Ming Dynasty novelist Wu Cheng'en had already inspired numerous stage, film and television productions over the years.
"The Monkey King 2" stars Aaron Kwok as he replaces Donnie Yen as the titular character after portraying the main villain in the first installment.
Cheang Pou-soi directs, with Sammo Hung as combat choreographer. Known for being a perfectionist when it comes to the action scenes, Hung demanded retake after retake until the shots were up to his standards.
"The Monkey King 2" coupled with help from the success of "Monkey King: Hero Is Back," an animated feature released in July, is expected to create waves in the box office on its opening on the New Year. The big-budget film will be filmed in 3D and promises world-class special effects, action and tons of laughs for the whole family.
