Netflix’s ‘The Monkey King’ Breathes New Life Into An Ancient Tale

Netflix is ready to unleash it's animated take on the fabled and often retold story of The Monkey King, in an action-packed re-imagining staring Jimmy O. Yang voicing the lead role supported by Bowen Yang (Fire Island) as the Dragon King, BD Wong (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (Watchmen), and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once).

The origins of the story of The Monkey King goes way back. As in way, way back.

The Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, is one of the main characters from the 16th century Ming dynasty period Chinese novel Journey to the West.

The story is so often retold and adapted because it's regarded as one of the greatest Classic Chinese novels, and is arguably the most popular literary work in East Asia. 

It's also a fantastic story filled with conflict, mythical heroes and villains, strong themes of good vs. evil, and compelling and complex characters.

In East Asian culture, it is a story that continues to be told down through the generations. 

The Netflix telling of the titular character's journey leans heavily into the connection and friendship between Sun Wukong and his weapon, a magical bow staff capable of changing its size, elongating, flying, and attacking opponents according to Wukong's will.

Watch the trailer:

Audiences can join The Monkey King on his adventures on August 18th on Netflix.