Stars Collective Launches Animated ‘Journey to the West’ Movie Trilogy at FILMART

From opening day of Hong Kong FILMART, Stars Collective Film Entertainment Group announced it was embarking on an ambitious animated trilogy adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Production is expected to commence in 2026, and will incorporate generative AI and motion-capture technology to create a photoreal mythic world.

Journey to the West follows the adventures of Monkey King (SUn Wukong) as he escorts Tang Sanzang, a Buddhit monk, on a demon-beset pilgrimage to India. Audiences around the world have seen the story’s characters on screens through numerous adaptations (including the box office record-smashing animated feature Ne Zha 2 this year), and will get a fresh introduction in three new films: Bajie, Monkey King and Nezha.

• Film 1, Bajie, “will break traditional stereotypes by exploring Marshal Tianpeng’s fall to the mortal realm, revealing the loyalty and sacrifice behind his seemingly carefree demeanor.”
• Film 2, Monkey King, is centered on the story of “The True and False Monkey King,” and uses the Six-Eared Macaque as a “metaphor for Sun Wukong’s transformation from the ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’ to the ‘Victorious Fighting Buddha.'”
• Film 3, Nezha, explores the supernatural hero’s tragic fate of “cutting flesh to return to hi smother, and removing bones to return to his father,” reimagining his “Three Heads and Six Arms” combat through Zen philosophy and examining themes of rebellion and redemption.

Stars Collection Film also announced a partnership with Stars Immersion, Stars Immersion China and Echotech to create immersive XR theatrical experiences, with a flagship set to open in Los Angeles by the end of this year. The companies plan to expand the offering to 30 venues cross North America in 2026, and 50 overseas in 2027. The attractions will use motion-sensing technology and interactive storytelling which allow audiences to experience moments like Monkey King’s “Havoc in Heaven” for themselves.

The Journey to the West project follows Stars Collective’s recently announced team up with El Pajaro Pictures to develop, produce and distribute a new adaptation of The Little Prince.

[Source: Variety]