“Born from an egg on a mountain top – the punkiest monkey that ever popped” Monkey will soon be returning to out TV screens in 2018 thanks to a partnership between ABC, TVNZ and Netflix.
The new show, The Legend of Monkey, is currently being filmed in New Zealand and will screen in ten half-hour episodes and will revamp the show the west has grown to know as Saiyuki , Monkey, or Monkey Magic which starred Hero of Cult Masaaki Sakai as Monkey.
Based on the 16th Century Chinese fable Journey to the West, it is “the mythical tale of the Monkey King [who]… continues to captivate global audiences,” said Michael Carrington, Head of Children’s at ABC Television:
“Our production partner Seesaw Films is bringing The Legend of Monkey to life through incredible locations and sets, an acclaimed production team and an exciting diverse young cast. We can’t wait for fans to see this new series that features the heroes they love and we are just as excited to introduce this reimagined magical and exciting world to a whole new generation of viewers.”
The new series is expected to a blockbuster fantasy affair, with purpose-built sets and Lord of the Rings style scenery. It will follow a teenage girl and a trio of fallen gods on a perilous journey as they attempt to bring an end to a demonic reign of chaos and restore balance to their world.
The cast includes Chai Hansen (Mako Mermaids, The 100) as Monkey, with Luciane Buchanan (Filthy Rich, Blue Rose) playing Tripitaka, Josh Thomson (Terry Teo, 7 Days, The Project) playing Pigsy and Emilie Cocquerel (Lion, An Accidental Soldier) playing Sandy.
The new series is being produced by Seesaw Films and Jump Film & TV in partnership with the ABC, Netflix and TVNZ. It will premiere first on ABC and TVNZ next year and Netflix will screen the series globally to its 93 million members.